Delhi High Court Blocks Unauthorized Cricket Streams on Rogue Sites Safeguarding JioStar’s Exclusive Media Rights
The Delhi High Court has taken a significant step to protect JioStar’s exclusive media rights regarding cricket broadcasts. This action follows an application submitted by JioStar, which sought an injunction against unauthorized streaming of cricket matches by certain rogue websites.
Legal Action Against Unauthorized Streaming
On November 11, 2025, the High Court, led by Justice Tejas Karia, ruled in favor of JioStar. The court granted an ad-interim injunction aimed at preventing rogue websites from streaming or broadcasting certain cricket events. These events include the ‘South Africa Tour of India 2025’ and the ‘New Zealand Tour of India 2026’, both organized by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Exclusive Media Rights of JioStar
JioStar holds exclusive rights to broadcast various BCCI events, having signed a Media Rights Agreement with the BCCI that spans from 2023 to 2028. This agreement grants JioStar the global digital media rights and television rights for these events.
- Major cricket events in question:
- South Africa Tour of India 2025
- New Zealand Tour of India 2026
Impact of Rogue Websites
The rogue websites in question are identified as platforms that facilitate unauthorized access to JioStar’s content without permission. JioStar asserts that these sites undermine their revenue and investment in exclusive rights.
According to the court’s findings, these unauthorized streaming services pose a substantial threat to JioStar’s business model, particularly through their transmission across various digital devices via the JioHotstar OTT platform.
Copyright Infringement and Court Decision
The court emphasized that the unauthorized use of broadcast content violates the Copyright Act of 1957. The ruling noted that such piracy is a continual threat to the integrity of JioStar’s exclusive media rights.
Enforcement Actions Directed by the Court
In an effort to bolster compliance, the court mandated that Domain Name Registrars (DNRs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) block access to these rogue websites. This includes:
- Immediate suspension of domain names linked to unauthorized sites.
- Blocking URLs associated with these sites by ISPs.
JioStar retains the right to pursue further action against any additional rogue sites that may emerge.
Future Proceedings
The matter has been scheduled for further review on March 3, 2026. The decision reaffirms the significance of protecting intellectual property in the digital age, especially regarding major sporting events and their broadcasting rights.
