Court Grants Interim Relief to Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd., Preventing Creation of Third-Party Rights
In a significant legal development, the Delhi High Court has issued an interim order restraining Ms Absolute Legends Sports Private Limited from creating third-party rights or transferring media and commercial rights related to the Legends League Cricket Master T20 tournament. The decision comes in response to a petition filed by Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd. under Section 9 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
The petitioner, Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd., had sought various reliefs, including the deposit of certain amounts and the prevention of third-party rights creation regarding the media and commercial rights of the cricket tournament. The court, presided over by Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar, granted the relief as sought in the petition's prayer clause (c), emphasizing the urgency to safeguard the subject matter of the dispute.
The crux of the case involves a contractual disagreement between Jiostar India Pvt. Ltd. and Ms Absolute Legends Sports Private Limited, alongside other respondents. Despite attempts at mediation, no amicable resolution was reached due to disagreements over repayment timelines. The court observed that the transfer of rights would lead to the erosion of the dispute's subject matter, necessitating the interdiction of any proposed rights transfer.
Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar stated, "Irrespective of any offer that may be made, there is an urgent need to ensure that the assets of the Respondent No. 1 are not transferred, such that third-party rights are created thereon." Consequently, the court restrained the respondent from transferring, assigning, or dealing with the media and commercial rights related to the tournament.
Both parties had previously presented their arguments extensively during hearings on March 10 and March 11, 2026. Despite acknowledgment from the respondent about certain amounts owed to the petitioner, the dispute remained unresolved, prompting the petitioner to seek judicial intervention.
The court has issued a notice to the respondents, with their counsel, Mr. Arjun Syal, accepting the notice. The respondents have been granted one week to file a reply, followed by a week for the petitioner to submit a rejoinder. The case is now listed for further hearing on April 22, 2026.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's role in protecting contractual rights and preventing undue transfer of intellectual property rights, especially in high-stakes commercial disputes involving major sporting events.
Bottom Line:
Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 - Relief granted under Section 9 to safeguard the subject matter of dispute and prevent the creation of third-party rights or transfer of media and commercial rights of Legends League Cricket Master T20 tournament.
Statutory provision(s): Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, Section 9
