Delhi HC Passes Dynamic Injunction in Favour of JioHotstar, Blocks Rogue Sites Streaming India-England 2025
In a move to curb rogue websites streaming pirated sports content, the Delhi High Court has passed a dynamic injunction in favour of Jio Star India Pvt. Ltd., restraining illegal broadcasts of the upcoming India vs England 2025 cricket series.
The order was passed by Justice Saurabh Banerjee in a civil suit filed by JioStar, seeking a permanent injunction to prevent unauthorised streaming of the “India Tour of England 2025” matches.
The plaintiff, JioStar, told the court that it holds exclusive digital rights for the series through a sub-licensing agreement with Sony (Culver Max Entertainment), the original rights holder authorised by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
JioStar argued that Defendants 1 to 4, presumably unknown entities, had previously engaged in illegal streaming of IPL 2025 matches. This, the plaintiff said, created a strong apprehension of similar infringement during the upcoming series.
Taking note of the submissions, the High Court restrained Defendants 1 to 4 and unknown persons (John Doe) from streaming the India vs England 2025 matches. It further directed the Domain Name Registrars (DNRs), to block and suspend access to the identified rogue websites within 72 hours.
In addition to this, the HC instructed the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Defendants 17 and 18) to ensure Internet Service Providers comply with the blocking orders through appropriate communication.
The judge observed that rogue websites can easily misuse or steal intellectual property without permission in today’s digital landscape. It cautioned that if the rights of intellectual property holders are not adequately protected, such violations can lead to “serious and irreparable harm.”
Highlighting the growing technological threat, the judge remarked that this “so-called dangerous edge of technology” has become sharper with the rise of “hydra-headed” websites. Even when blocked or deleted, such sites can instantly reappear with only minor modifications.
The single judge bench noted: “The systematic, organised and intentional nature of the infringement, and the regularity and consistency with which the said content is being updated on the rogue websites, shows the extent of the violation of the rights of the plaintiff in real-time.”
Finding that the plaintiff had established a prima facie case, the Court said: “The balance of convenience is also tilting towards grant of relief in favour of the plaintiff. If an ex parte ad interim injunction in favour of the plaintiff is not granted, the plaintiff will likely suffer irreparable loss and injury.”
For Plaintiff: Mr. Sidharth Chopra, Mr. Yatinder Garg and Mr. Priyansh Kohli, Advocates
For Defendants: None
Case Title: JIOSTAR INDIA PVT. LTD. FORMERLY KNOWN AS STAR INDIA PVT. LTD. versus HTTPS//CRICLK.COM & ORS
Read Order Here: