The Delhi high court recently passed an order directing various Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and the government authorities to block access to 40 websites illegally streaming and allowing download of content belonging to Netflix, Disney, Warner Brothers, Paramount and other studios. The court said there was a prima facie case in favour of the studios, and irreparable loss would be caused to them if these rogue websites were not blocked.
A single-judge bench of Justice Amit Bansal also directed the ministry of electronics and information technology and the department of telecommunications to take immediate steps and issue the necessary notifications calling upon various Internet and Telecom Service Providers registered under them to block the websites in question. The matter was scheduled for the next hearing on August 29.
The suit was filed by Universal City Studios LLC, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Columbia Picture Industries Inc., Netflix Studios LLC, Paramount Pictures Corporation, and Disney Enterprises, seeking permanent injunction against 40 rogue websites. The petitioners stated that these 40 websites indulged in online piracy by making the original content of the firms available for download and providing their access to the public at large. The petitioners further stated that despite legal notices calling upon the websites to cease from engaging in their illegal activities, the accused continued to infringe their rights over the original content.