Delhi High Court Halts Rogue Apps for Illegal Streaming after JioStar Raises Alarm on India’s Cricket Tours
The Delhi High Court has taken significant action to protect the rights of JioStar India by issuing an ex-parte ad-interim injunction. This decision restrains multiple mobile applications and websites, notably Cricfy TV, from illegally streaming upcoming cricket matches.
Details of the Injunction
The injunction specifically targets the illegal streaming of India’s cricket series against South Africa, scheduled from November 14 to December 19, 2025, and New Zealand, set for January 11 to 31, 2026. The order serves to safeguard JioStar’s exclusive broadcast rights for this 18-match schedule.
Broadcast Rights and Investment
The Delhi High Court recognized that JioStar holds exclusive global digital and television rights for all Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) events for the 2023-2028 cycle. These rights were reaffirmed by the board and obtained through significant financial investment.
Combating Illegal Streaming
- JioStar reported unauthorized distribution of premium cricket content by Android apps like Cricfy TV.
- These platforms have consistently appeared with new domains despite previous blocking efforts.
- The urgent nature of the upcoming matches necessitated the immediate blocking of eight identified domains linked to infringing services.
Compliance Directives
The Court has mandated compliance from various entities, including:
- Domain Name Registrars
- Internet Service Providers
- The Department of Telecommunications
- The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
These organizations are required to act within 72 hours to prevent any further violations.
Dynamic Blocking Measures
The order also allows for real-time dynamic blocking of additional applications or websites that might emerge during the cricket tours. This measure enables prompt action without needing repeated court orders, ensuring ongoing protection for JioStar’s broadcasting rights.
This proactive approach underscores the importance of safeguarding digital content against unauthorized streaming and emphasizes the need for strict compliance with copyright laws.
