Kunal Kamra Flags ‘Sahyog Portal’ Before Bombay HC, Raises Free Speech Concerns
Stand-up comedian Kunal Kamra has told the Bombay High Court that the Centre’s Sahyog Portal enables arbitrary takedowns of online content, warning of a “worse situation” if even ordinary police officers can order removals.
Challenging the portal and amendments to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, Kamra argued that the framework grants unchecked powers to authorities without adequate safeguards or due process.
He contended that such provisions violate constitutional protections of free speech and go beyond permissible restrictions under Article 19(2).
The petition remains pending, with the case highlighting growing concerns over digital censorship and regulatory overreach.
Amazon Expands Counterfeit Crimes Unit to India to Combat Fake Goods
Amazon has expanded its Counterfeit Crimes Unit (CCU) to India, strengthening efforts to curb the sale of fake products on its platform.
The move brings Amazon’s global anti-counterfeiting framework to one of its fastest-growing markets, with dedicated local teams working alongside brands, sellers and law enforcement agencies.
The unit will focus on detecting and removing counterfeit listings, protecting intellectual property, and pursuing coordinated legal action against offenders.
The expansion reflects rising concerns over counterfeit goods in India’s e-commerce ecosystem and aims to enhance consumer trust while ensuring accountability across supply chains.
Kerala HC Rejects Plea to Stall Film Linked to Venjaramoodu Case
The Kerala High Court has dismissed a plea filed by the father of the accused in the Venjaramoodu mass murder case seeking to restrain the release of a film allegedly inspired by the incident.
Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas rejected the petition, holding that a film’s release cannot be stalled merely on apprehensions that it may influence an ongoing trial.
The petitioner argued that the film could lead to a “trial by media” and prejudice the accused’s right to a fair trial. However, the Court emphasised that judicial decisions are based on evidence and are not influenced by cinematic portrayals.
The film Kaalam Paranja Kadha has already been cleared for public exhibition.
Bombay HC Upholds Jurisdiction in ‘Kaithi’–‘Bholaa’ Copyright Dispute
The Bombay High Court has held that it has jurisdiction to hear a suit filed by Dream Warrior Pictures against Reliance Entertainment and Ajay Devgn FFilms over the Hindi film Bholaa.
The dispute concerns alleged breach of contract and copyright violations linked to the remake of the Tamil film Kaithi.
Justice Sharmila U. Deshmukh rejected the defendants’ contention that only Chennai courts had jurisdiction, allowing the proceedings to continue in Mumbai.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on April 30, 2026.
NCDRC Stays Bailable Warrants Against Salman Khan in Misleading Ad Case
The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has stayed execution of bailable warrants issued against Salman Khan in a consumer complaint alleging misleading advertisement of pan masala.
The Bench led by Justice (Retd.) A.P. Sahi granted interim relief while hearing Khan’s challenge to the Rajasthan State Commission’s order upholding warrants issued by a district forum.
Khan argued that proceedings under Section 89 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 can only be initiated by the Central Consumer Protection Authority, not district commissions.
The complaint alleges that advertisements for “elaichi” indirectly promoted pan masala. Further proceedings before the district forum have also been stayed pending adjudication.
Government Open to Revising IT Rules on Social Media News Regulation
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has indicated it may revise proposed amendments to the Information Technology Rules, 2021 regulating user-generated news content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram and X.
Secretary S. Krishnan stated that the government is open to extending the April 14 feedback deadline and modifying provisions based on stakeholder input.
The draft amendments propose expanding powers of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to direct content takedowns and issue compliance guidelines.
The proposal has drawn criticism from digital rights groups over concerns of excessive censorship and lack of safeguards.
Bombay HC Grants Interim Relief in ‘Dhurandhar 2’ Script Dispute
The Bombay High Court has granted interim relief to filmmaker Aditya Dhar in a defamation suit linked to allegations of script theft concerning Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge.
The Court restrained writer Santosh Kumar from publicly claiming that the film was copied from his script, observing that Dhar had made out a prima facie case for protection.
The dispute arose after Kumar alleged that the film was based on his registered work and made public statements to that effect. Dhar denied the claims and approached the Court seeking restraint against defamatory remarks.
The matter is listed for further hearing on April 16, 2026.
‘Dhurandhar 2’ Faces Copyright Suit Over ‘Oye Oye’ Song
The film Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, directed by Aditya Dhar, has run into legal trouble after Trimurti Films filed a copyright infringement suit against the makers.
The dispute centres on the alleged unauthorised use of the iconic song “Oye Oye” from the 1989 film Tridev, which the plaintiff claims was recreated in the film as “Rang De Lal (Oye Oye)” without permission.
The case has been filed against B62 Studios and associated entities, with the Delhi High Court referring the matter to mediation, observing that the dispute is largely financial in nature.
Despite the litigation, the film continues its box office run, while further proceedings are pending.
Kartik Aaryan Moves Bombay High Court to Protect Personality Rights
Bollywood actor Kartik Aaryan has approached the Bombay High Court seeking protection of his personality rights against unauthorised commercial use of his identity.
In his plea, the actor alleged misuse of his name, image, voice and likeness across advertisements, merchandise and digital platforms, including AI-generated content and deepfakes.
He has sought directions to restrain such exploitation and to ensure removal of infringing content. The case reflects growing concerns over digital misuse of celebrity identities and the need for stronger legal safeguards.
The Court has indicated that it may direct takedown of such content, reinforcing evolving jurisprudence on personality and publicity rights in India.
Delhi HC Seeks Response from MeitY, Google in 4PM News YouTube Blocking Case
The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and Google on a plea filed by digital platform 4PM News challenging the blocking of its YouTube channel.
The petition alleges that the channel and 26 of its videos were blocked in March 2026 without prior notice or disclosure of reasons, raising concerns over violation of natural justice and free speech under Article 19(1)(a).
It further contends that blocking the entire channel, rather than specific content, is disproportionate and beyond the scope of powers under the Information Technology Act.
The matter is pending before Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav.