Delhi High Court Restrains Websites Enabling Illegal Downloads Of Saregama India's Copyrighted Music

The Delhi High Court has recently restrained several online sites that facilitate “stream-ripping” (illegal downloading) of music, barring them from downloading, reproducing, or distributing copyrighted songs and recordings owned by Saregama India Limited. The injunction will remain in effect until February 27, 2026.The order was passed by Justice Tejas Karia on November 10, 2025, in a suit filed by Saregama seeking a permanent injunction against large-scale infringement of its copyrighted works, including recent releases such as songs from Stree 2, Bad Newz, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahaani, and others.Saregama stated that it is one of India's largest music rights owners, holding copyrights in sound recordings, musical compositions, and literary-lyrical works in over fourteen languages. Its works are lawfully licensed to platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, JioSaavn, as well as television channels and production housesThe company alleged that certain websites were infringing its exclusive rights under the Copyright Act by engaging in “stream-ripping” a form of online piracy that extracts audio or video from licensed streaming platforms and converts it into downloadable files. Saregama argued that these services circumvent technological protection measures, allow permanent downloads, and systematically violate its exclusive rights under Sections 14 and 51 of the Copyright Act. It further stated that such websites divert users from authorized platforms, undermine its licensing arrangements, and cause economic loss. After reviewing the plaint, supporting documents, and the nature of the alleged infringement, the Court noted that stream-ripping causes serious prejudice to the rights holder by making downloadable copies permanently available outside authorized channels.The Court held that Saregama had made out a prima facie case for urgent protection and that the balance of convenience lay in its favor. It found that the company would suffer irreparable harm if the websites continued enabling illegal downloads"it is clear that the unauthorised downloading, reproduction and dissemination of the Plaintiff's Copyrighted Works through stream-ripping websites are causing grave prejudice to the Plaintiff. Each act of stream ripping constitutes an infringement that directly deprives the Plaintiff of revenue accruing from authorised streaming, sales or distribution channels. Further, the persistent availability of infringing copies of the Plaintiff's Copyrighted Works on unauthorised digital platforms and circulation of such infringing copies deprive the Plaintiff of the exclusive right of control. If Defendant Nos. 1 to 23 are not immediately restrained, irreparable harm will be caused to the Plaintiff." Accordingly, till the next date of hearing, the court restrained several unknown webites from stream-ripping Saregama's copyrighted works or enabling any unauthorised reproduction, download, communication to the public or distribution. Domain Registrars and Internet Service Providers were directed to suspend and block the listed domain names and URLs. The Court also directed the Domain Registrar to inform Saregama of the expiry of any blocked or suspended domain at least 15 days in advance, so that the domain can be renewed for continued blocking. The matter will be next listed on February 27, 2026. Case Title: Saregama India Limited v. En.ssyou.tube & Ors.Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 1519 Case Number: CS(COMM) 1191/2025 For the Plaintiff: Advocates Saikrishna Rajagopal, Sidharth Chopra, Suhasini Raina, Manas Raghuvanshi, Ayush Saxena and Affam Moin For Defendants: Advocates Geetanjali Vishwanathan and Yash RajClick Here To Read/Download The Order

Delhi High Court Restrains Websites Enabling Illegal Downloads Of Saregama India's Copyrighted Music

Ayushi Shukla

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