The Delhi High Court has recently issued a dynamic injunction in favor of Viacom 18 Media Private Limited, prohibiting numerous unauthorized websites from streaming the Indian Premier League (IPL) events scheduled for 2024.

Justice Sanjeev Narula emphasized the necessity of developing legal solutions to address copyright infringement effectively in the digital era.

Viacom 18, having obtained exclusive digital media rights for IPL events within the Indian subcontinent and television rights overseas from 2023 to 2027, approached the court seeking intervention against six rogue websites.

These platforms were discovered to be unlawfully broadcasting matches of the cricket league, slated to continue until the end of May.

The court not only prohibited these platforms from hosting, streaming, or providing access to IPL content but also instructed Domain Name Registrars to lock and suspend the identified websites. Telecom Service Providers were instructed to block access to these sites in order to safeguard Viacom 18's copyright interests.

Acknowledging the ever-evolving nature of digital piracy, the court granted Viacom 18 the freedom to report any newly identified rogue websites involved in similar illicit activities during the IPL season.

Justice Narula underscored the importance of the IPL, highlighting its significance not only as a sporting event but also as a substantial source of revenue and entertainment for the masses.