Supreme Court rejects the petition challenging the validity of Rule 29(4) of the Copyright Rules, 2013
The Supreme Court denied a petition challenging Rule 29(4) of the Copyright Rules, 2013, which specifies the specific details that broadcasters must submit in the prior notice required to invoke the statutory licence under Section 31D of the Copyright Act, 1957. A bench of Justices Abhay S. Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan found no substance in the constitutional validity challenge to Rule 29(4) and allowed the petitioner, Next Radio Limited, which operates the radio network Radio One, to withdraw it. Read order here.
Delhi High Court Grants ‘Dynamic+’ Injunctions to Culver Max Entertainment in Two Landmark Copyright Infringement Cases
In a significant affirmation of digital copyright enforcement, the Delhi High Court has granted Dynamic+ injunctions in favor of Culver Max Entertainment (formerly Sony Pictures Networks India) in two separate but landmark cases—Culver Max v. Freedrivemovie.com & Ors. and Culver Max v. VIPBox.lc & Ors.
In the first case, dated May 26, 2025 (Justice Amit Bansal), the Court restrained 41 rogue websites and any mirror/redirect/alphanumeric variations from illegally hosting, streaming, or distributing Culver Max’s copyrighted content, including films, web series, and other audiovisual works. Recognizing the “hydra-headed” nature of online piracy, the Court directed domain name registrars (DNRs), internet service providers (ISPs), and government authorities (DoT and MeitY) to block infringing platforms within 72 hours and provide registrant details. The Court also granted Culver Max liberty to implead future iterations of infringing websites and extend the injunction against them.
In the second case, dated May 30, 2025 (Justice Saurabh Banerjee), the Court granted similar relief to prevent unauthorized streaming of major sporting events on platforms like VIPBox.lc. The order emphasized the evolving technological threats and held that real-time protection is critical, especially during live sports broadcasts. Again, a Dynamic+ injunction was granted, allowing Culver Max to notify ISPs and DNRs of emergent rogue sites for immediate blocking, subject to subsequent reporting to the Court.
Read the orders here and here.
YouTuber Mohak Mangal agrees to remove objectionable references to ANI in a dispute filed by ANI against the YouTuber
YouTuber Mohak Mangal informed the Delhi High Court that he will modify a video he released about news wire Asian News International (ANI) and delete any derogatory references to the agency from it. However, stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra only decided to remove one of his many X posts criticizing ANI. Read order here
Centre notifies new age-based film certification
The Union government announced revised age-based certification categories for films, with the goal of encouraging age-appropriate viewing, particularly among those who require parental assistance. Under the new laws, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) can issue certificates for unrestricted public screening with particular endorsements specifying the nature and type of content, denoted as ‘U/A 7+’, ‘U/A 13+’, and ‘U/A 16+’. Read more here
SEBI bans actor Arshad Warsi, his spouse and 57 others from securities markets
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has barred actor Arshad Warsi, his spouse Maria Goretti, and 57 other people from engaging in securities markets for one to five years. This action followed their involvement in fraudulent YouTube videos that encouraged Sadhna Broadcast share purchases. According to Sebi’s instruction, Warsi and Goretti have been fined Rs 5 lakh each, as well as barred from participating in the securities market for a year.
Sadhguru moves the Delhi High Court seeking protection of his personality rights
Sadhguru aka Jagadish “Jaggi” Vasudev, the founder of the Isha Foundation, has filed a petition with the Delhi High Court demanding protection for his personality rights and alleged exploitation of artificial intelligence (AI). Sadhguru’s attorney also submitted that several products were illegally sold in his name.
Delhi High Court directs takedown of deepfake videos of the social media personality Ankur Warikoo
The Delhi High Court ordered the removal of deepfakes of social media star Ankur Warikoo offering financial advice and inviting people to join a WhatsApp group for free financial guidance. The Court was informed that there are deepfakes of Warikoo circulating on social media, depicting him advertising stocks of various firms.
Kerala High Court upholds the jurisdiction of the Competition Commission of India to investigate allegations of abuse of dominance against Star India and Disney
In a significant decision issued on May 28, the Kerala High Court firmly upheld the Competition Commission of India’s (CCI) jurisdiction to investigate allegations of abuse of dominance in the broadcasting sector, dismissing petitions filed by Asianet Star Communications Private Ltd, Star India Private Ltd, and Disney Broadcasting India Private Ltd.
This precedent-setting opinion explains the relationship between the sectoral regulator, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), and the market regulator, the CCI, stating that anti-competitive behavior cannot be justified by allegations of regulatory overlap.
Delhi High Court issues summons to YouTuber Ajeet Bharti in a suit for defamation
The Delhi High Court summoned YouTuber Ajeet Bharti and others in a complaint seeking Rs 2 crore in damages. The petitioner media company sought damages for two claimed tweets made by Bharti on X using his username. On May 27, Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav issued summons to Bharti and another respondent in a petition filed by TFI Media Private Limited seeking a permanent injunction.
Doordarshan and Prasar Bharti offer their content for free for creators amid various copyright disputes
Several government media agencies, including Prasar Bharati, Akashvani (All India Radio), Doordarshan National, and the Press Information Bureau (PIB), have announced that their content is now available for public use on digital and social media platforms such as YouTube, in an effort to support content creators. This development comes following copyright battles between Asian News International (ANI) and several YouTubers.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issues Rs. 16,000 crore license fee demand on DTH operators
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued licence fee demand notices totaling Rs 16,000 crore to India’s four private Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators, adding financial pressure to a sector already facing declining revenues and stiff competition from OTT platforms and DD Free Dish, according to The Economic Times, citing industry sources.
CBFC has asked the makers of Dili dark to add a unique disclaimer about ‘Delhi’s ethos’
The CBFC asked the filmmakers to include a notice stating that the video does not depict the actual Delhi and is not intended to damage or offend the people who live there. According to people associated with the film, the board was concerned that some viewers may interpret the film as an attack on Delhi or its population. As a result, this warning clarifies that the film is only a tale and does not intend to do harm to anyone.
Eminem’s publisher initiates a lawsuit against Meta, alleging copyright infringement
Eight Mile Style, the song publisher for Detroit rapper Eminem, is suing Meta, the social media powerhouse. The publisher alleges Meta did not have the required rights to utilize the rapper’s music on its platform.
