Delhi High Court Directs Blocking Access Of IPTV Websites Infringing Star India's Content

Star India Pvt. Ltd broadcasts popular content on its STAR channels including live sports content, trailers of upcoming films and television serials. It owns and operates audio-visual streaming platforms and websites including 'Disney+Hotstar' and JioCinema.

Star sought a permanent injunction against 'rogue apps' (defendant nos. 1 to 4) for hosting its content on their platforms. Star submitted that by hosting its original content without authorization, the rogue apps are causing irreparable harm and grave monetary loss to it by diverting viewers away from its platforms.

Star argued that the rogue apps are undermining its IP rights, depriving it of rightful revenue streams and enabling piracy and copyright infringement on a large scale.

Star stated that its contents can be accessed by the public on IPTV Smarter Pro (defendant no.1's app) on Android and iOS devices. It further stated that defendant nos. 2 and 3, have structured their platforms similar to defendant no. 1. It stated that defendant no. 3's app offers subscription packages and that the packages provide users with illegal access to a wide range of its content.

The defendant no. 1 submitted that it was only a video player and did not indulge in any infringing activity. It said that it had no objection if directions were issued to domain name registrars to block the infringing websites.

Based on the facts of the case, Justice Mini Pushkarna was of the view that a prima facie case for grant of ex-parte ad-interim injunction was made out. The Court stated that balance of convenience lies with Star and that if relief is not granted, irreparable injury would be caused to it.

The Court thus directed the domain name registrars, internet service providers and government authorities to block access to specific domain name/ websites hosting the infringing content. It further directed the domain name registrars to disclose the information of the registrant details and payment information of the infringing websites.

It issued notices to the defendants and kept the matter on 14 July.

Case title: Star India Pvt. Ltd vs. IPTV Smarter Pro & Ors.

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 167