Court directs blocking of infringing websites including mirror and alphanumeric variants to protect copyright of cinematograph film pending trial
In a significant judgment dated October 13, 2026, the Madras High Court, presided over by Justice P.B. Balaji, has granted an interim injunction in favor of Sun TV Network Limited, the producer of the popular cinematograph film "Jailer 2". The Court restrained the respondents, including Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and others, from unauthorized copying, recording, camcording, reproducing, uploading, downloading, streaming, or otherwise communicating the film to the public.
The dispute arose when Sun TV Network Limited filed O.A. Nos. 1130 and 1131 of 2026, along with A. No. 4432 of 2026 in C.S. (Commercial Division) No. 284 of 2026, seeking protection against copyright infringement of their film "Jailer 2". The plaintiff alleged that no authorization or license was granted to any person, particularly the defendants, to exploit the film by any means, including online streaming or distribution. The defendants were accused of operating mirror websites, redirects, and alphanumeric variants to facilitate unauthorized access to the film.
After hearing the counsel for the applicant, Mr. Rahul Balaji, the Court found that Sun TV Network Limited had made out a prima facie case demonstrating a likelihood of unauthorized release and infringement of their copyright. The Court observed that infringement of the plaintiff's rights would cause irreparable harm and that the balance of convenience lay in favor of granting the interim injunction.
Consequently, the Court issued an interim injunction restraining the 37th respondent, who was identified as the 42nd defendant in the suit, from engaging in mirroring websites or creating redirect and alphanumeric variants. Similarly, the first five respondents were restrained from copying, recording, camcording, transmitting, or exhibiting the film in any language, including dubbed versions, under the same or any other title.
Further, the Court directed the respondents to block access to the infringing websites listed in the schedule annexed to the suit. It also empowered the plaintiff and its authorized agents to notify additional mirror, redirect, and alphanumeric variant URLs and links, including prefix and suffix variants, to the respondents for immediate blocking.
The Court permitted the issuance of notice to the respondents, making it returnable by November 10, 2026, and allowed private notice to be served. The applicant was directed to comply with the proviso (b) to Rule 3 of Order 39 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's firm stance in protecting intellectual property rights in the digital era, especially against piracy and unauthorized online distribution of cinematograph films. It also highlights the role of courts in facilitating effective blocking of websites that infringe copyright, including mirror and alphanumeric variants, which are often used to circumvent restrictions.
Bottom Line:
Copyright infringement - Cinematograph film - Producer of film entitled to interim injunction against unauthorised copying, recording, camcording, streaming, communication to public and against mirroring/redirect/alphanumeric variant websites - Directions also issued to block access to infringing websites where prima facie case, irreparable injury and balance of convenience were made out.
Statutory provision(s):
Copyright Act, 1957; Civil Procedure Code, 1908 - Order 39, Rule 3
Sun TV Network Limited v. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, (Madras) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2996364
