The Delhi High Court has ordered immediate action against a number of websites accused of illegally streaming Sony Pictures Networks India‘s exclusive sports broadcasts, strengthening legal protection for rights holders during a packed international cricket calendar, according to a report by ANI.
In an ex parte ad interim order, the Court directed domain name registrars, internet service providers, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to block access to the identified websites and suspend their domain names while the matter remains before the Court.
Court grants interim protection to Sony
Justice Jyoti Singh held that Sony had established a prima facie case for interim relief, observing that copyright piracy of sports broadcasts remains a recurring concern. The Court noted that any delay in restricting access to the alleged infringing websites could cause irreparable harm to Sony’s exclusive broadcasting and copyright interests, particularly with the men’s and women’s India tours of England currently in progress.
Pending further proceedings, the defendants and anyone acting on their behalf have been restrained from hosting, streaming, communicating, screening or otherwise making the protected sporting events available on any digital or electronic platform without authorisation.
Broad blocking directions issued
Beyond ordering the suspension of the identified domains, the Court instructed the relevant domain registrars to submit sealed affidavits within four weeks containing available registrant information, including contact details, email addresses and KYC records.
Internet service providers and telecom service providers have also been directed to block access to the identified websites upon receiving the Court’s order, while the DoT and MeitY have been asked to issue the necessary directions to facilitate the blocking process across service providers.
Dynamic injunction covers newly identified websites
Recognising that piracy websites frequently reappear under new domains, the Court also allowed Sony to notify authorities of any additional rogue websites discovered while the sporting events are ongoing. Once identified, those websites can also be blocked immediately, with Sony required to file the necessary affidavits and formally add the newly identified domains to the proceedings.
Sony cites infringement of exclusive cricket rights
According to the complaint, Sony Pictures Networks India, formerly known as Culver Max Entertainment India Pvt. Ltd., holds exclusive broadcasting and media rights for a range of international sporting properties, including the India and New Zealand tours of England, the Asia Cup, The Hundred, the 2026 Asian Games, the India tour of Sri Lanka and other international cricket events.
Sony alleged that the defendant websites were primarily designed to facilitate unauthorised streaming of its copyrighted broadcasts, with operators concealing their identities through domain privacy services while making protected content available without permission, resulting in commercial losses for the broadcaster.
The Court has issued summons in the matter, with the case scheduled to come before the Joint Registrar on August 4, 2026, while the application seeking interim relief will next be heard on October 9, 2026.
