Madras HC Orders Security for Kingdom Screenings
The Madras High Court has directed Tamil Nadu to protect theatres screening Vijay Devarakonda’s Kingdom, after NTK protests in Madurai and Trichy. Justice D. Bharatha Chakravarthy ruled that once cleared by the Censor Board, a film cannot be blocked, though peaceful protests with police permission are allowed. The state assured the court it will safeguard theatres and act against disruptions. The court noted that “In a democracy, the creators of a movie have every right to express their views and in this case, it is a fiction, therefore, anything expressed in any movie may be abhorrent and unpalatable to a particular section of the society. Even then, when the censor board cleared the movie for being exhibited in the theatre, no third party can prevent its exhibition or threaten the theatre owners.” (See here)
Govt Sets Up Task Force to Tackle $2.5B Piracy Loss
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has formed a task force to curb piracy, which allegedly costs India’s media and entertainment sector $2.5 billion annually. EY–IAMAI’s Rob Report valued the piracy economy at ₹22,400 crore in 2023, ranking fourth in the industry’s revenues. CII M&E Council chairman Banerjee said leaked films must be removed within a day, and outlined two priorities: building the right framework to scale the sector and preparing for AI’s impact. He also stressed skilling through new institutes like the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies. (See more here)
Supreme Court Admits Cross-Appeals in Google Play Store Case
The Supreme Court recently admitted cross-appeals filed by Google, the Competition Commission of India (CCI), and the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) against a National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) ruling on Google’s Play Store policies. A bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Atul S. Chandurkar listed the matter for hearing in November.
The dispute stems from a 2020 CCI probe that found Google abused its dominance by mandating its Play Billing System and favouring its own payments service. In 2022, the CCI imposed penalties and compliance obligations, some of which the NCLAT upheld while striking down others. A May clarification reinstated key obligations, including restrictions on Google’s use of billing data, which are now under challenge. (See more here)
Exempt data fiduciaries from the DPDP Act for AI training on publicly available data
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) has urged the central government to grant a temporary exemption from certain DPDP Act provisions for data fiduciaries using publicly available data to train AI models. Highlighting ambiguities and practical challenges, the association argues that strict restrictions could burden AI companies—particularly startups—thereby stifling innovation and competition. However, not all IAMAI members share the same view on this proposal. It frames this as a matter of national competitiveness, arguing that India must loosen restrictions on public data to keep up with the US and China. But this perspective misses deeper issues. See Medianama’s sharp reporting for more. (see here)
Shwetha Menon Moves Kerala HC to Quash FIR Ahead of AMMA Elections
Malayalam actress Shwetha Menon has approached the Kerala High Court to quash a criminal case filed against her just days before the AMMA presidential election, where she is a leading contender. The FIR cites Section 67A of the IT Act (obscene electronic content) and Sections 3 and 5 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, alleging offences related to prostitution and brothel management. Menon argues the case targets her image to derail her campaign, noting that the films mentioned—Rathinirvedam, Paleri Manikyam, and Kalimannu—were legally certified and publicly released years ago. She seeks to quash the FIR and halt proceedings, with the court’s decision potentially affecting both her candidacy and the AMMA leadership race. (See here)
Delhi High Court Grants Dynamic Injunction, Curbs Rogue Sites from Streaming FanCode Content
The Delhi High Court restrained multiple rogue websites and mobile apps from illegally streaming sports content exclusively licensed to Sporta Technologies Pvt. Ltd., which operates the multi-sports aggregator FanCode. Recognising the fast-evolving nature of digital piracy, the Court granted a dynamic injunction that not only blocks the identified infringing platforms but also empowers authorities to take down mirror, redirect, and future derivative domains without the need for repeated court intervention.
Read order here
ASCI Mandates Clear Labels for Paid Media Posts on Social Media
The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI), the self‑regulatory body for advertising, added a clause to its Code for Self‑Regulation requiring media companies to clearly label paid or sponsored posts on their social media platforms. The directive stipulates that such posts must include upfront disclosure using terms like “Advertisement,” “Sponsored,” “Ad,” “Partnership,” “Free Gift,” “Collaboration,” or platform-specific tags, ensuring audiences can immediately distinguish promotional content from editorial matter. This step comes in response to consumer complaints about misleading or undisclosed promotions appearing on trusted media pages and is aimed at preserving transparency and editorial integrity in India’s rapidly evolving digital media landscape.
Read more here
Publicis Sues CCI for Denying Access to Case Files in Ad Agencies Price-Fixing Probe
Publicis Groupe, via its Indian entity TLG India, filed a lawsuit before the Delhi High Court against the Competition Commission of India (CCI) for refusing to grant access to critical case files in an ongoing antitrust investigation into alleged price-fixing among advertising agencies. The probe, initiated in March after dawn raids on major players like WPP’s GroupM, Dentsu, Omnicom, and Publicis, stems from suspicions of collusion via WhatsApp groups, secret pacts, and coordinated refusals to work with non-compliant rivals. Publicis contends that without access to these documents, neither it nor its Indian employees can understand the precise allegations or mount an effective defense—making it the first legal challenge in the high-profile investigation.
Read more here.
Chiranjeevi Steps In to Mediate Telugu Film Industry Strike
Megastar Chiranjeevi has intervened to help resolve the ongoing strike by the Telugu Film Industry Employees Federation, which has brought Tollywood to a standstill as it enters its second week . Showing his gravitas in the industry, he is meeting with small- and mid-budget producers today at his residence to hear their concerns over the proposed wage hike. Reportedly trusted by both producers and union leaders, Chiranjeevi plans to hold separate discussions with both sides to craft a workable solution that addresses workers’ demands while keeping the industry’s financial realities in mind. Demonstrating his commitment, he has even halted his own film shoot and is believed to have prepared a practical proposal aimed at bridging the gap between the two parties.
Read more here.
