IBDF Joins Legal Battle Over Streaming of TV Channels on WAVES Platform
Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation has entered the ongoing dispute before the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal concerning streaming of private television channels on Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, WAVES.
The proceedings originated from a petition filed by All India Digital Cable Federation seeking restraint on WAVES carrying live television channels online. The dispute centres on whether OTT platforms can distribute linear TV channels using infrastructure traditionally reserved for licensed cable, DTH and IPTV operators.
Prasar Bharati has argued that OTT services fall outside the regulatory scope of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, raising broader questions about jurisdiction and regulation of internet-delivered television services in India’s evolving digital broadcasting ecosystem.
ASCI Releases Draft AI Labelling Guidelines for Advertisements
Advertising Standards Council of India has issued draft guidelines on disclosure and labelling of AI-generated advertising content, inviting stakeholder comments until June 13. The framework aligns with the amended Information Technology Rules, 2026, and adopts a risk-based approach focused on consumer impact rather than regulation of AI technology itself.
Advertisements are categorised as high, medium or low risk depending on the potential for misleading consumers. High-risk content includes fake endorsements, unauthorised deepfakes, fabricated claims and AI-generated authority figures. Medium-risk advertisements, such as virtual influencers and AI-generated product demonstrations, will require mandatory disclosure labels like “Audio/Video created using AI.”
Low-risk uses, including routine editing and decorative enhancements, will not require disclosure under the proposed guidelines.
Delhi High Court Directs Google, Apple to Act Against Illegal Mobile Applications
The Delhi High Court has directed Google and Apple to take stringent measures against mobile applications allegedly promoting pornography, prostitution and other unlawful activities through their app stores.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia observed that intermediaries are obligated under the Information Technology Rules, 2021 to exercise due diligence even before hosting applications on their platforms.
The directions were issued in a public interest litigation alleging that several apps facilitate immoral trafficking, illegal trade and organised crime while generating substantial revenue. The Court has sought action-taken reports from Google, Apple and the Central government before the next hearing in July.
JioStar Initiates Legal Action Against Zee Over Alleged Unauthorised Film Broadcasts
JioStar has initiated legal proceedings against Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited alleging unauthorised broadcast of several Bollywood films over which JioStar claims exclusive rights.
According to documents reviewed by Reuters, the dispute was filed before the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee seeking mediation prior to formal litigation. JioStar alleged that Zee telecast 12 films nearly 20 times without authorisation, including classics such as Deewaar, Tridev and Dangal.
Zee reportedly described certain broadcasts as inadvertent and denied liability, while also asserting that permissions existed in some cases through production houses. The mediation hearing is scheduled for May 25.
Delhi High Court Blocks Rogue Streaming Websites Mimicking IMDb URLs
The Delhi High Court has granted interim protection to Universal City Studios Productions LLLP against rogue websites allegedly facilitating large-scale piracy of cinematograph films.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela restrained websites including playimdb.com and streamimdb.ru from streaming films such as Fast X, F9: The Fast Saga and The Secret Life of Pets 2 without authorisation. The Court noted that users were deceptively redirected from legitimate IMDb pages by modifying URLs to access pirated content.
The Court directed domain registrars and internet service providers to suspend and block infringing domains, disclose registrant details and extend dynamic injunction protection against future mirror websites.
Delhi High Court Refuses Interim Ban on ‘Tirchi Topiwale’ Use in Dhurandhar: The Revenge
The Delhi High Court refused to grant an interim injunction restraining the use of the song Tirchi Topiwale and its remix Rang De Lal in the film Dhurandhar: The Revenge in a suit filed by Trimurti Films Private Limited against B62 Studios Private Limited and others.
The Court held that the scope of the 1988 copyright assignment agreement required detailed trial and could not be conclusively interpreted at the interim stage. It also noted the plaintiff’s earlier inaction regarding alleged infringements in films like Azhar and K.G.F: Chapter 1.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela observed that restraining only the OTT release after theatrical release would create an “incongruous situation,” while monetary damages could adequately compensate the plaintiff if infringement is ultimately proved.
Delhi HC Seeks Response on FIFA World Cup 2026 Broadcast in India
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Prasar Bharati on a petition seeking television broadcast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in India, including free-to-air telecast of key matches.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed that the relief sought carried the nature of a public interest litigation and listed the matter for hearing next week. The plea, filed by Advocate Avdhesh Bairwa, urges authorities to secure rights for all 104 matches and ensure free telecast of the opening match, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
The petition highlighted India’s massive football audience and claimed no broadcaster has yet acquired Indian media rights, raising concerns that millions may lose access to the tournament beginning June 11.
Delhi High Court Orders Restoration of 4PM YouTube Channel
The Delhi High Court directed restoration of the YouTube news channel “4PM” while ordering temporary suspension of 26 allegedly objectionable videos linked to concerns over national security and public order.
Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav disposed of the plea filed by the channel’s editor and network after noting that only 26 videos out of nearly 50,000 uploaded content pieces were alleged to be offending. The Court asked the Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to specifically identify objectionable material and provide the petitioners adequate opportunity to explain or justify it.
The Court directed YouTube to restore the channel after blocking the flagged videos and held that further action would depend on the final decision of the IDC and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.