Delhi HC restrains cable operators from unauthorised telecast of T20 World Cup

ESPN Software India had filed a suit for permanent injunction against 34 named cable operators, hotels and websites against unauthorised broadcast

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | September 21, 2012

The Delhi High Court has ordered in favour of ESPN Software India (ESS), in a suit for permanent injunction filed against cable operators, hotels and websites against unauthorised broadcast of the ongoing ICC World Twenty20. The order restrains 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 had claimed that it has just cause for apprehension that the defendants, approximately 34 named cable operators, hotels and Internet websites may take unauthorised connections and may unauthorisedly access signals of ESS without taking licence from the company.

After this order, anyone showing the broadcast of ICC World Twenty20 through any unauthorised means or any other channel is liable to be held in contempt of court and can be prosecuted.

The High 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 licence. The police authorities concerned have been directed to render all assistance to ESS to enforce the order of injunction.

TS Panesar, Vice-President – Affiliate Sales, ESPN Software India, said, “We welcome the order. It will help us in curbing any unauthorised telecast of our channels. We already have a team across the country which is trying to ensure that piracy does not happen, and in case we spot any, we will bring the guilty to book.”

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