Delhi High Court injuncts cable operators from unauthorized telecast of ICC World Twenty20 2012

The Hon’ble Delhi High Court ordered in favor of ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd (ESS), in a suit for permanent injunction filed against cable operators, hotels and websites against unauthorized broadcast of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20, restraining all cable operators, hotels and Internet websites from unauthorisedly showing the tournament in any manner. All the 27 matches of the championship are being shown live by ESS on its channels STAR Cricket and STAR Cricket HD with English commentary. The broadcaster is also doing a simulcast of all India matches, semi-finals and the final of the championship with Hindi commentary on ESPN channel. 

 

ESS in its suit before the Hon’ble Delhi High Court claimed that it has just cause for apprehension that the defendants, approximately 34 named cable operators, hotels and Internet websites may take unauthorized connections and may unauthorisedly access signals of ESS without taking license from the company. 

 

After this order anyone showing the broadcast of ICC World Twenty20 through any unauthorized means or any other channel is liable to be held in contempt of court and can be prosecuted.  The Hon’ble Court has also permitted ESS to take action against “unnamed” entities not party to the suit but are found to be unauthorisedly utilising the feed of ESPN, STAR Cricket HD and STAR Cricket without license. 

 

Speaking on the occasion, T S Panesar, Vice President–Affiliate Sales, ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd, said, “We welcome the order. This order will help us in curbing any unauthorized telecast of our channels. We already have a team across the country who is trying to ensure that piracy does not happen and in case we spot any, we will bring the guilty to the book.” 

 

The Hon’ble Court prima facie being satisfied by the material disclosed to it by ESS, restrained 34 named entities which include cable operators, hotels and Internet websites and all other unnamed entities from transmitting and/or telecasting in any manner whatsoever the ICC World Twenty20 without license from ESS or from telecasting/transmitting any other channel or in any other manner infringing the copyright/re-broadcast right of ESS. 

 

The Hon’ble Court has also restrained unnamed entities who may be found to be indulging in cable piracy.  The police authorities concerned have been directed to render all assistance to ESS to enforce the order of injunction.