Madras High Court: In an application filed by Viacom 18 against the Internet Service Provider (‘ISP’) for restraining them to broadcast the Indian Premier League (IPL) auctions and events, C.Saravanan, J. granted an interim order restraining the internet providers from infringing the rights conferred on Viacom 18 for a period of four weeks and directed Viacom 18 to comply with the requirements of Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Viacom 18 submitted that it has been given a right by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (‘BCCI’) in respect of the events to be held for a Session 2023-2027 and has been licensed for broadcasting the events.
It was further submitted that the Internet Service Provider (‘ISP’) are likely to broadcast the event without any authorization from Viacom 18. Also, several unknown persons also attempted to violate the rights conferred on Viacom 18.
The Court said that Viacom 18 has made out a prima facie case on merits for grant of interim relief. The balance of convenience is also in its favour. Further, no prejudice or harm will be caused if an ad-interim injunction is granted at this stage in Viacom’s favour.
[Viacom 18 Media Private Limited v. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, 2022 SCC OnLine Mad 6065, decided on 21-12-2022]
*Apoorva Goel, Editorial Assistant has reported this brief.