The Delhi High Court has issued a sweeping injunction against 56 rogue websites for illegally streaming or facilitating access to the Bollywood films Maalik and Sarbala Ji, following a plea by Tips Films Limited.
Justice Amit Bansal, in an order dated July 11, restrained the websites from hosting, broadcasting, or distributing any copyrighted content belonging to the production house without due authorisation. The court found that allowing the websites to continue their activities would cause “irreparable harm” to the plaintiff.
“A prima facie case is made in favour of the plaintiff. Balance of convenience is also in favour of the plaintiff and against the defendants. Further, irreparable harm or injury would be caused to the plaintiff if an interim injunction order is not passed,” the court observed.
The court’s order specifically bars unauthorised streaming of Maalik, starring Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar, which released on July 11, and Sarbala Ji, starring Ammy Virk and Gippy Grewal, slated for release on July 18.
The lawsuit was filed by Tips Films citing an “imminent threat” of digital piracy. The production house alleged that the listed websites enable illegal viewing and downloading of copyrighted content and hide their identities behind domain privacy shields to escape enforcement.
In a further step to curb piracy, the court directed internet service providers (ISPs) across India to immediately block access to the 56 infringing websites.
The matter will be heard next on November 17.
