Division Bench of the Delhi High Court stays release of the film ‘Udaipur Files’
In Maulana Arshad Madani v. Union of India & Ors., the Delhi High Court dealt with a challenge to the certification of the film Udaipur Files on the grounds that it vilified a particular community and posed a threat to public order. The petitioner argued that the film violated Section 5B of the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the 1991 certification guidelines. While the Court acknowledged that the petitioner had not exhausted the statutory remedy under Section 6 of the Act (which allows revision by the Central Government), it held that such remedy was available even to third parties aggrieved by the certification. The Court permitted the petitioner to file a revision before the Central Government by July 14, 2025, and directed that the release of the film be stayed until the application for interim relief is decided by the Government. The Court also noted that the film’s producer had admitted to circulating uncertified teaser content, prompting the Board to consider further action.
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Delhi High Court Grants Interim Injunction to Tips Films Limited for its films “Maalik” and “Sarbala Ji” Against 56 Rogue Websites
The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction in favor of Tips Films Limited, restraining 56 websites from unauthorized streaming of the plaintiff’s upcoming films “MAALIK” and “SARBALAJI”. The Court noted that the defendants were likely to stream pirated versions of these films without authorization, which would cause irreparable harm. Granting an interim injunction, the Court restrained the websites from hosting or streaming the content, directed domain name registrars to lock and suspend these domains, and asked internet service providers, along with DoT and MeitY, to block access to them. The Court also allowed Tips Films to notify authorities of any new infringing websites during the pendency of the suit for prompt blocking, ensuring protection of the plaintiff’s rights and safeguarding its promotional release strategy.
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Delhi High Court restrains Kuku FM from streaming certain shows after Pocket FM alleges violation of IP rights
The Delhi High Court barred audio content platform Kuku FM (defendant) from playing new episodes of five shows due to claims of copyright and trademark infringement by Pocket FM. Pocket FM claimed that Kuku’s shows such Shivay, Jobless Ghar Jamai, Immortal Yodha, The Legend of Amrapali, and Avataar breached their intellectual property rights. Justice Saurabh Banerjee also directed Kuku FM to disclose revenue details related to the shows. Pocket FM, represented by Senior Advocate Amit Sibal, claimed that Kuku FM had deliberately copied entire series, including characters, themes, and promotional materials, and cited prior instances of similar conduct. Despite Kuku FM’s contention that the shows had been available since June 2024 and the delay in Pocket FM’s complaint, the Court found merit in the plaintiff’s claims and granted interim relief.
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Delhi High Court grants interim relief to the German footwear company, Birkenstock
The Delhi High Court has awarded an interim injunction in favor of German footwear firm Birkenstock in a lawsuit alleging trademark, copyright, and design infringement. The Court prohibited Agra-based production units and Indian retailers from producing, selling, distributing, or exporting counterfeit Birkenstock items.
Bombay High Court grants relief to Swiss pharmaceutical major Galderma Holdings against infringers using ‘Cetaphil’ trademarks
The Bombay High Court has granted relief to Swiss pharmaceutical company Galderma Holdings in an intellectual property (IP) enforcement action against counterfeit items using its ‘CETAPHIL’ trademark. Galderma, acting through its Indian subsidiary Galderma India, has filed a suit requesting the Court immediate action to combat widespread counterfeiting of its goods on online platforms and in local markets.
Karnataka government to table a bill in the upcoming session of the State Legislature to ban online gambling and the same has been hailed by All-India Gaming Federation
In a renewed effort to combat the rise in online gambling, the Karnataka government plans to present comprehensive new legislation at the upcoming session of the State Legislature. The proposed bill seeks to criminalize all kinds of internet gambling while establishing a controlled licensing framework for skill-based games.
The All-India Gaming Federation (AIGF) has called for a national framework to combat the “menace of offshore gambling platforms” that operate outside India’s jurisdiction, while applauding Karnataka’s intentions to establish an online gaming and betting regulating organization.
Nayanthara’s documentary in legal trouble again over copyright claim, Madras HC issues notice
Nayanthara’s documentary Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairytale is once again embroiled in a legal battle. This time, it’s about using another film’s footage without the right permission. The Madras High Court has sent a notice to an OTT platform. They have been invited to react within two weeks about the use of specific material in the documentary. According to reports, the documentary includes footage from Rajinikanth’s 2005 film Chandramukhi—but without permission. The petition was brought by AP International, which owns the rights to Chandramukhi, directed by P Vasu and starring Rajinikanth. They allege the tape was used without their permission, despite legal notices requesting its removal and compensation of Rs 5 crore.
Janaki V v. State of Kerala – Filmmakers accept the title change as suggested by CBFC
Following concerns from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding potential offense to religious emotions, the makers of ‘Janaki vs State of Kerala,’ starring Suresh Gopi, have consented to rename the film ‘Janaki V vs State of Kerala.’ In addition, the protagonist’s full name will be muted during a courtroom scenario. While certification is expected soon, the producers’ legal efforts continue, with a High Court hearing scheduled.
Enforcement Directorate lodges report against 29 actors and social media personalities
In a massive operation, ED has issued an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) against 29 actors and social media figures for allegedly advocating illegal online betting networks. High-profile names in the ECIR include actors Vijay Deverakonda, Rana Daggubati, Prakash Raj, Nidhi Agarwal, Pranitha Subhash, and Manchu Lakshmi as well as two TV hosts. Harsha Sai, an influencer, and the team behind the ‘Local Boi Nani’ channel are under investigation by ED. Investigators believe huge quantities of money were funneled through these efforts, perhaps resulting in money laundering.
Enforcement Directorate searches Probo for ‘illegal gambling’
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) raided Probo Media Technologies, alleging unlawful gaming activities via its ‘Probo’ app. Investigations discovered that the company duped consumers with fraudulent techniques, promoting gambling under the pretense of opinion trading. ED searches revealed financial irregularities, including ₹134.84 crore from overseas firms and a lack of user verification checks.
Ilaiyaraaja Moves Madras HC Over Unauthorized Use of His Song in Tamil Film Mrs & Mr
In a fresh copyright dispute, legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja has approached the Madras High Court seeking the removal of his 1990 song “Siva Rathiri” from the recently released Tamil film Mrs & Mr, directed by Vanitha Vijayakumar. He alleges the song was used in a distorted form without his permission, constituting copyright infringement. This move follows a series of similar actions by Ilaiyaraaja, who has consistently objected to the unauthorized use of his works in films such as Manjummel Boys, Good Bad Ugly, and Coolie, demanding removals, compensation, and formal apologies to protect his rights as the original composer.
