Allahabad High Court Dismisses Plea Against Jolly LLB 3
The Allahabad High Court (Lucknow bench) has dismissed petitions seeking a ban on the release of Jolly LLB 3, including objections to the song “Bhai Vakeel Hai”, which petitioners claimed demeaned the judiciary and legal profession. The bench, comprising Justices Sangeeta Chandra and Brij Raj Singh, held that neither the trailer nor the lyrics contained objectionable content or undermined public confidence in the judicial system. With this ruling, the Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi starrer, directed by Subhash Kapoor, will proceed with its scheduled release on September 19, 2025.
“The Taj Story” and the CBFC: A Historical Challenge
The upcoming film “The Taj Story,” starring Paresh Rawal, has sparked significant interest due to its controversial plot, which questions the conventional history of the Taj Mahal. The film’s sensitive content led the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to take several months for clearance. During this rigorous process, the filmmakers were compelled to submit extensive documentation and proofs to validate their creative and historical claims. This strict scrutiny by the CBFC has heightened anticipation for the movie, which is set to release on October 31, 2025. The film is expected to ignite a nationwide debate and challenge audiences’ perceptions of historical narratives.
Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan Questioned by ED in Online Betting Case
In an investigation into the illegal 1xBet betting platform, cricketer Shikhar Dhawan was questioned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED is probing Dhawan’s involvement in the case through his endorsements and promotions of the betting platform. This is part of a larger investigation targeting several celebrities and influencers for promoting such platforms, which are suspected of tax evasion and duping investors. The Union government has recently banned these real-money online gambling games to curb these activities.
Government Petitions Supreme Court to Consolidate Online Gaming Lawsuits
The Indian government has petitioned the Supreme Court to consolidate all pleas challenging the ‘Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act’. This Act came into force on August 22, 2025. The government’s move is to prevent a variety of legal proceedings and conflicting judgments, as the petitions from various high courts, including Karnataka, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh, raise similar legal questions about the new law. The government has requested the Supreme Court to either hear all the petitions itself or transfer them to a single high court to ensure a uniform judicial outcome.
“Baaghi 4” Censor Cuts
The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has ordered 23 cuts to the film “Baaghi 4,” starring Tiger Shroff, despite giving it an ‘A’ rating. The cuts include a mix of visual and audio content, such as a scene with a knife thrown at a Jesus statue, a frontal nude scene, and the muting of the word “condom” from a dialogue line. The filmmakers voluntarily removed an additional 19 scenes, reducing the film’s runtime by almost seven minutes.
Nepal Bans 26 Unregistered Social Media Sites
Nepal has banned 26 social media and communication platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), for failing to register with the government by a seven-day deadline. This action was taken in compliance with a Supreme Court directive that required all online platforms, both domestic and foreign, to register before operating in the country and to monitor unwanted content. The government’s “Directive on Regulating the Use of Social Media, 2080” also mandates that these platforms appoint a local contact person and a compliance officer to handle local complaints. According to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, the ban will be lifted once the companies complete the registration process. While the government sees this as a necessary regulatory step, some human rights groups have voiced concerns that the ban could threaten freedom of expression and press freedom in the country.
Delhi High Court Orders Takedown of Fake Zepto Websites
The Delhi High Court has ruled in favor of the quick-commerce company, Zepto, by issuing an immediate order for the takedown of fraudulent websites and social media accounts. The company had filed a police complaint and a trademark infringement suit after discovering a scam where fraudsters, impersonating Zepto relationship managers, were using the company’s brand to solicit large payments for bogus franchise and job offers.
The court has issued a temporary injunction to halt the fraudulent use of Zepto’s trademarks and has taken decisive action against the perpetrators. It has directed banks to freeze accounts linked to the fraud, ordered social media platforms like Meta and LinkedIn to remove fake accounts and posts, and instructed the Department of Telecommunications to block associated phone numbers and provide subscriber details to aid in identifying the culprits. All parties were given 36 hours to comply with these orders. The next hearing for the case is set for February 18, 2026.
Read the order here
Cognizant Removes Logo After Bombay High Court Injunction
Cognizant has removed its logo from its website and social media platforms in India following a legal setback in a trademark dispute. The Bombay High Court reinstated an injunction that prevents the IT services company from using its logo in the country. The lawsuit was filed by a Bengaluru-based firm, Atyati Technologies, which claims that Cognizant’s logo, a hexagonal honeycomb design, is a copy of its own, which it has used since 2019.
The court’s decision reverses a previous single-judge order that had lifted the ban. The court has now directed that the injunction remain in place until the case is fully resolved. Cognizant stated that it is complying with the order while it considers its legal options to defend its position.
Delhi High Court Grants Interim Relief to Castrol on ‘3X Protection’ Mark
The Delhi High Court has granted interim relief to Castrol in a trademark and copyright dispute over its “3X Protection” mark on engine oil packaging. The lawsuit was filed by Castrol against a defendant who was allegedly issuing “groundless threats” of legal action, claiming that Castrol’s use of “3X” and related marks infringed upon their own “3P” marks.
The court, after a prima facie review, found that the defendant’s threats were unjustifiable and that the marks were “wholly dissimilar” in both appearance and use. The court noted that no one can claim exclusive rights over the number “3” and that Castrol had made a strong case that the defendant’s actions were causing it irreparable business and reputational loss. As a result, the court restrained the defendant from issuing any further legal threats until the next hearing.
Madras High Court on Film Certification: The ‘Manushi’ Case
In a significant ruling on artistic freedom, the Madras High Court addressed a writ petition filed by the producer of the film ‘Manushi’ against the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). The producer contested the CBFC’s demand for numerous cuts and modifications, arguing that these directives were arbitrary and violated their right to freedom of expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. The court, presided over by Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, watched the film and carefully considered each objection. The court’s judgment underscored the need for certification authorities to be “broadminded” and adopt a liberal approach, acknowledging that while artistic expression has limits, it should not be unduly restricted. The court provided a detailed table of specific changes for the film, ordering the filmmaker to make these modifications and the CBFC to issue the certificate within two weeks of resubmission. This ruling highlights the delicate balance between artistic integrity and the statutory guidelines governing film certification in India.
Telecom Firm Files Data Theft Complaint Against Ex-Manager
A telecom company has filed a complaint against a former area sales manager, alleging he stole confidential company and customer data. The manager, who was serving his notice period, is accused of illegally sharing the data on his last day of work using multiple apps, including Telegram. The case has been filed with the Cyber Crime Police Station in Bidhannagar, with police suspecting the data may have been sold for profit. The individual faces charges under sections of the BNS and the Information Technology Act.
TV Ratings Reform: Broadcasters Oppose Removal of Cross-Holding Restrictions
The Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) and the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) are currently deliberating on their final response to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)’s proposed amendments to the TV ratings policy. The ministry aims to modernize the system and allow more players to enter the market by removing key “conflict of interest” clauses. However, broadcasters, particularly the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), are strongly opposed to the removal of these cross-holding restrictions, which prevent broadcasters or advertisers from having ownership stakes in rating agencies.
The industry bodies argue that while they support reforms to strengthen the rating framework, scrapping these restrictions would undermine the credibility of television ratings and introduce conflicts of interest. They insist that the current system, led by the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC), should be strengthened rather than allowing a fragmented market. This ongoing debate highlights the tension between the government’s push for a more open and competitive ratings ecosystem and the industry’s desire to maintain a centralized, credible, and stable measurement system.
Press Information Bureau: Joint Working Group on Live Events and Concerts
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has established a Joint Working Group (JWG) to boost India’s live event and concert economy. Chaired by Secretary Shri Sanjay Jaju, the group aims to make India a top 5 global destination for live entertainment by 2030, a goal that could create 15-20 million jobs. The first meeting, held in New Delhi on August 26, 2025, focused on creating a single-window clearance on the India Cine Hub portal, launching a centralized music licensing registry by October 2025, and developing a model policy for using public spaces. The JWG also discussed financial incentives and incorporating live entertainment skills into the National Skills Qualification Framework. With a market value of ₹20,861 crore in 2024, the live entertainment sector is one of the fastest-growing segments of the media and entertainment industry in India.
Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Midjourney over AI Copyright Infringement
In a major development for intellectual property law, Warner Bros. Discovery has filed a lawsuit against the AI image generator company Midjourney for copyright infringement. The lawsuit, which follows similar actions by Disney and Universal, alleges that Midjourney has used copyrighted characters like Superman, Bugs Bunny, and Scooby-Doo to train its AI system and allows its users to generate images and videos of these characters without permission. The lawsuit claims that Midjourney’s practices are “brazen theft” and create consumer confusion. Warner Bros. Discovery is seeking up to $150,000 in damages per infringed work.
Midjourney has defended itself by arguing that its use of copyrighted material for training is covered by the legal principle of fair use, as the AI learns visual concepts in a “transformative” way, similar to how a human artist learns from others’ work. The company has also stated that the responsibility lies with its users to follow its terms of service, which prohibit the infringement of intellectual property. This case is part of a growing number of lawsuits that will likely set important legal precedents for the future of AI and copyright.
Major Sports Piracy Site Streameast Shut Down
The world’s largest illegal sports streaming network, Streameast, has been shut down following a joint operation between the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE) and Egyptian authorities. The site, which operated through over 80 associated domains, had logged more than 1.6 billion visits in the last year, providing unauthorized access to major leagues like the NFL, NBA, Premier League, and Champions League. The raid resulted in the arrest of two individuals in Egypt and the seizure of cash and devices. Investigators also uncovered a shell company in the UAE allegedly used to launder millions in advertising revenue. The takedown is considered a major victory for broadcasters and sports leagues, who lose significant revenue to piracy.
Authors Sue Apple Over AI Training
Authors Grady Hendrix and Jennifer Roberson have filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company used their copyrighted books without permission, credit, or compensation to train its AI systems. The lawsuit is part of a growing trend of legal challenges against tech giants for similar practices
AI company Anthropic settles copyright lawsuit with book authors
The AI company Anthropic has settled a copyright lawsuit for $1.5 billion with a group of authors and publishers. The authors alleged that pirated versions of their books were used to train Anthropic’s large language models. The settlement, which requires Anthropic to pay $3,000 per work to 500,000 authors, does not set a legal precedent but may influence future cases.
