Google and Telegram Directed to Remove Infringing Content; Dynamic+ Injunction Issued to Tackle Piracy
In a significant ruling, the Delhi High Court has granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favor of Nikhil Nanda Motion Pictures LLP to prevent the unauthorized dissemination of its latest Bollywood film, 'Aakhri Sawal'. The court's decision comes in response to allegations of large-scale piracy and unauthorized uploads by rogue websites and platforms.
The plaintiff, a prominent Bollywood production house, claimed that its film, released on May 15, 2026, was being illegally uploaded and shared on various online platforms, including YouTube and Telegram. In light of these allegations, Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, presiding over the case, issued a dynamic+ injunction aimed at addressing the persistent and evolving nature of piracy, often described as "hydra-headed."
The court's order restrains defendants, including Google LLC and Telegram, from hosting, streaming, or disseminating any infringing content related to the film. These platforms are mandated to remove all unauthorized content within 72 hours. Furthermore, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) have been directed to notify internet service providers to block infringing URLs identified by the plaintiff.
The plaintiff highlighted that the film's trailer had garnered nearly 10 million views within days of its release, reflecting the film's popularity and the potential financial loss due to piracy. The court recognized the plaintiff's ownership of the film's copyright and emphasized the potential irreparable harm and financial damage from continued unauthorized distribution.
In a notable exemption, the court waived the requirement for pre-institution mediation due to the urgency of the interim relief sought, citing the Supreme Court's precedent in Yamini Manohar v. T.K.D. Keerthi. The court also allowed the plaintiff additional time to submit the required court fees.
The court's ruling underscores the judicial system's proactive stance in protecting intellectual property rights in the digital age, particularly against the backdrop of widespread digital piracy. The directives aim to safeguard the interests of creators and producers in the entertainment industry, ensuring that their creative and financial investments are protected from unlawful exploitation.
Bottom line:-
Copyright Infringement - Ex-parte ad-interim injunction, including dynamic+ injunction, granted to prevent large-scale piracy and unauthorized dissemination of the plaintiff's cinematograph film "Aakhri Sawal." Defendants, including John Doe(s), directed to take down infringing content.
Statutory provision(s): Copyright Act, 1957 Section 14, Civil Procedure Code, 1908 - Order XXXIX Rules 1 & 2, Commercial Courts Act, 2015, Section 12A
Nikhil Nanda Motion Pictures LLP v. Google LLC, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc id # 2901063
