Taking a significant step to combat online piracy, the Delhi High Court has issued an injunction order – which is considered a stronger version of the traditional Dynamic + injunction.
So that fake websites and mobile apps illegally streaming the ongoing IPL and other cricket matches can be blocked forever.
Justice Saurabh Banerjee gave this unique order in a case filed by Star India Private Limited, which has exclusive streaming rights for high-profile cricket tournaments including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and India’s tour of England. The court restrained the defendants from infringing the rights of Star India and allowed relief at the present time against websites and mobile applications involved in unauthorized broadcasting, even if it is discovered during legal proceedings.
“In the age of new technology, today it has become very easy and convenient for infringers to create alpha-numeric/mirror/redirect variants of infringing websites…In such circumstances, this Court has repeatedly held that there is a need for relief in real time,” – Delhi High Court in Star India Pvt Ltd & Ors vs JioLive TV & Ors (2023)
This is the first time that the Delhi High Court has granted such legal relief to a fake mobile application, marking a significant development in the fight against digital piracy. In the previous case, Star India Pvt Ltd vs https://crichdplayer.org & Ors (2025), the Court had granted injunction in real time, but only against fake websites, not against mobile apps.
However, in the present case, the Court observed:
“There is neither any obstruction nor any harm caused…If the same relief as granted in the cases of fake websites is extended to fake mobile applications as well…then the manner of use/dissemination activity is hardly a matter of concern.”
The suit originally involved four known defendants, with Star India also naming several unknown rogue websites. As the case progressed, Star India filed seven interlocutory applications covering three fake mobile applications and 16 fake domains/URLs/UIs.
The timing of the case was significant, as Star India highlighted the challenge of discovering new fake entities in real time during court holidays, particularly during the IPL and other major tournaments. The Court accepted this argument, and acknowledged the difficulty of repeatedly approaching the Court for new relief.
It recognised the evolving nature of piracy, where infringing platforms – both websites and apps – become instantly visible during time-sensitive events such as live cricket matches.
“Superior injunctions open an additional avenue for plaintiffs to obtain present-day relief against the infringing activities of ‘fictitious’ defendants, regardless of the modus operandi,”
— Delhi High Court
By granting this present-day blocking power, the Court has strengthened the enforcement of intellectual property rights in India’s sports broadcasting industry, sending a strong signal against digital piracy through both web platforms and mobile applications.
Case no.: CS(COMM) 108/2025
Case title: Star India Pvt Ltd v. IPTV Smarter Pro & Ors.
Appearance: Mr. Sidharth Chopra, Mr. Yatinder Garg, Ms. Disha Sharma and Ms. Rimjhim Tiwari and Ms. Isha Singh, Advs for Plaintiff; Mr. Avish Sharma, Adv. for D-1, 4 & 36. Ms. Mrinal Ojha, Mr. Debarshi Dutta, Mr. Arjun Mookerjee, Ms. Nikita Rathi and Mr. Nikhil Gupta, Advs. for D-7. Court Book