Rogue Apps: Delhi HC grants ex-parte ad-interim injunction to JioStar 

The Delhi High Court has granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favour of JioStar India Private Limited, restraining several rogue mobile applications and websites, including Cricfy TV and associated platforms from illegally streaming or communicating content from India’s cricket series against South Africa (14th Nov – 19th Dec 2025) and New Zealand (11th – 31st January 2026) featuring 18 matches. 

The order safeguards JioStar’s exclusive broadcast reproduction rights over these marquee sporting events.

The court has acknowledged that JioStar holds exclusive global digital and television rights for all BCCI events between 2023 and 2028, secured through significant commercial investment and formally confirmed by the BCCI. 

These rights cover all live and recorded audio-visual elements, distributed through JioStar’s extensive channel network and its OTT platform, JioHotstar.

JioStar highlighted that rogue Android-based apps such as Cricfy TV have repeatedly indulged in unauthorised dissemination of premium cricket content, including recent international series. 

The Court observed that such platforms pose a substantial threat to the lawful broadcast of the upcoming tours, especially as they routinely re-emerge through new domain names and interfaces even after previous blocks.

Given the live nature of the events and the urgency of preventing real-time piracy, the Court ordered immediate blocking of eight identified domains and user interfaces associated with the infringing services. It further directed Domain Name Registrars (DNS), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), the Department of Telecommunications (DOT), and Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) to act within 72 hours and ensure compliance. 

Notably, the court has also permitted real-time dynamic blocking of any additional applications, UIs, or websites discovered during the tours, enabling swift enforcement without repeated judicial intervention.

This proactive order represents a strong step in India’s efforts to curb sports piracy. By securing real-time protection of JioStar’s rights, the Court has reinforced the value of lawful broadcast ecosystems and set an important precedent for safeguarding high-value live sports content across digital platforms.