Kayastha Samaj members file complaint against ‘Thank God’ in Rajasthan
Thank God is an upcoming family entertainer film which stars Ajay Devgn, Siddharth Malhotra and Rakul Preet Singh and is set to release in theatres on October 25. The representatives of the Kayastha Samaj have filed a police complaint against the makers of the film, including producers of the film, T-series and actor Ajay Devgn and others for alleged indecent portrayal of Hindu deity Chitragupta. The members of the Kayastha Samaj said that the Hindu deity, Chitragupta was depicted in the movie wearing modern costumes and surrounded by naked women which has hurt the religious sentiments of the community. They have demanded that the scene be deleted from the movie.
The Draft Telecommunications Bill, 2022 released by Government to seek public comments
The Government has released the draft Telecommunications Bill, 2022 which seeks to replace three laws: the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933 and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950.
The Bill has included internet-based and OTT communication services such as WhatsApp calls, Facetime, under telecommunication services. The Bill further aims to dilute some crucial powers and responsibilities of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on issuing new licenses to service providers.
Supreme Court thrashes TV Channels for not preventing the spread of Hate Speech
The Hon’ble Apex Court while hearing a batch of petitions relating to hate speech and rumour-mongering showed its dissatisfaction on the role of TV Channels to prevent the spread of Hate Speech. It noted that the role of the TV anchor in TV debates is very crucial and it is the duty of the anchor to prevent spread of hate speech. The Hon’ble Court while observing that there needs to be an institutional mechanism to deal with hate speech also directed the Union of India to take a clear stand in relation to its intention of enacting the law regarding prohibiting incitement of hate speech which was recommended by the Law Commission.
Vijay Sethupati moves Supreme Court against Defamation suit
On November 2 last year, a fight broke out between Maha Gandhi and Vijay Sethupati’s team as he was travelling back to Chennai from Delhi after receiving the National Award. Subsequently, Maha Gandhi filed a petition to file a criminal complaint against Vijay Sethupati, following which the latter was summoned to appear for hearing in person before the Saidapet Court. Vijay appealed the summons in the High Court and quashed the complaint due to lack of jurisdiction. However, the Saidapet Court ordered to hear the defamation case. Consequently, Vijay has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the order to continue defamation case against him.
Delhi High Courts grants ad-interim injunction against use of well-known mark “TATA”
TATA Sons Private Limited filed a case before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court seeking ad-interim injunction against the respondents from using the well-known mark of the Appellants “TATA”. The respondents therein were using the said well-known mark as part of the name of their cryptocurrency TATA Coin/$TATA or digital token. They were also using the said mark as their corporate name/domain name and websites ‘www.tatabonus.com’. Consequently, a Division Bench of the Delhi High Court passed an ex-parte ad-interim injunction against the respondents, their partners or proprietors from manufacturing, offering for sale, selling, advertising, supplying or unauthorizedly using the well-known mark TATA.
Delhi High Court refuses to stay launch of book “Will Power”
A suit was filed before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court by a hockey player, Gurjit Kaur to stay the launch of the book “Will Power’ authored by Sjoerd Marijne, former coach of the Indian Women’s Hockey team. It was contended by the Plaintiff that the former coach in his book has divulged certain medical confidential information that was shared by the Plaintiff to the author and former coach in confidence. The Hon’ble Court while rejecting this argument said that medical information of a sportsperson is not confidential and did not grant stay on the launch of the book.
Journalist Rajat Sharma submits before the Delhi High Court that he will not broadcast Aap Ki Adalat episodes shot between 1992 and 1997
Zee had earlier sued Rajat Sharma and India TV for copyright infringement after they aired an episode of Aap Ki Adalat starring former Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray which was produced by Zee. India TV and journalist Rajat Sharma have given an undertaking before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court that they will not broadcast the episodes of Aap Ki Adalat shot between 1992 and 1997 since they were produced by Zee.
Madras High Court says that there will be no vulgar or obscene song during Dusshera Festival
A petition was filed before the Madras High Court in which the petitioner sought that the organizers of all Dusshera groups and other sound service providers should not sing and play any non-devotional song and Kuthu Pattu during the Dusshera festival. This was done to protect the traditional culture, traditional viradham system and religious sentiments of lakhs of devotees of Arultharum Mutharamman. The Hon’ble Madras High Court through this petition directed the police officials to ensure that there is no obscene or vulgar dance performance during the Dusshera festival.
CCI approves amalgamation of Jio Cinema OTT platform with Viacom 18
The Competition Commission of India has recently approved the amalgamation of Jio Cinema OTT Platform with Viacom 18. The approval by CCI is followed by an investment from BTS Investment 1 Pte. Ltd. and Reliance Projects and Property Management Services.
The Savoy Hotel v. Rupa Publication Pvt. Ltd: Rupa Publications withdraws the book “The Mussoorie Murders” following suit filed by the hotel “The Savoy” alleging defamation
Rupa Publications has withdrawn its yet-to-be-released book ‘The Mussoorie Murders’ after ITC Group’s famous and historic hotel ‘The Savoy’ approached
Delhi High Court with a suit seeking permanent and mandatory injunction against it.
The hotel had also got an FIR registered against the publisher alleging that the book contained defamatory content against it. The book makes mention of “fictional murder stories” at the hotel and also uses a picture of the hotel’s facade on its cover, as per the complaint made to the police.
