Odisha Police raid cable networks in anti-piracy drive targeting JioStar retransmission

The latest case was registered by Badagada Police Station in Ganjam district on September 18 under Section 303(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 63 of the Copyright Act, 1957.

According to the complaint, police acted against an operator running a satellite communication network from Ekalapur village, who was allegedly retransmitting JioStar channels to local subscribers without authorisation. Video evidence recorded on September 14 was submitted along with the complaint.

The evidence showed Star Plus and Star Sports 1 Hindi appearing with Dish TV and Sun Direct logos, along with a network-specific watermark. The complaint also alleged that the electronic programme guide displayed the channels under different names, suggesting that a consumer DTH set-top box was being used for commercial distribution.

In Kandhamal, Daringbadi Police Station registered on September 10 against a local network operating as M/s Star Cable Network. The complaint alleged that consumer DTH set-top boxes were being used to receive JioStar channels and redistribute them to subscribers in Daringbadi and neighbouring areas.

Video evidence recorded on September 9 showed Star Plus with a Dish TV logo and Colors with an Airtel logo. The FIR records the alleged period of offence from January 2018 to September 2026.

Police action was also initiated in Bhadrak earlier this month. Bonth Police Station registered FIR on September 2 against a cable operator in Tillo village.

The complaint alleged that JioStar channels were being retransmitted to subscribers in Tillo, Jirina and adjoining areas. Evidence recorded on August 28 showed Star Kiran, Colors, Star Plus, Star Gold and Star Sports 1 Hindi with Tata Play logos, while Colors Cineplex Bollywood was shown with a DD Free Dish logo.

The September cases follow police action in Jajpur and Puri in July.

Korei Police Station in Jajpur registered FIR No. 268 on July 14 against a local operator based on evidence recorded on July 3. In Puri, Brahmagiri Police Station registered FIR Nos. 353 and 354 on July 30 against operators in Gambhari and Rebananuagaon. The cases were supported by evidence recorded on July 22.

The complaints in the earlier cases similarly alleged that JioStar channels were being carried on locally numbered channels through analogue cable networks, with DD Free Dish or Sun Direct logos visible on the feeds.

The cases have been filed by an authorised representative of JioStar India Pvt Ltd through a Bhubaneswar-based cable TV anti-piracy cell operating under a power of attorney. Following the complaints, police registered the FIRs and assigned investigating officers.

The cases invoke Section 303(2) of the BNS and Section 63 of the Copyright Act. Some complaints also cite Sections 37, 51 and 65 of the Copyright Act, which relate to broadcast reproduction rights, copyright infringement and possession of infringing copies.

The FIRs currently record allegations and commencement of police investigation. 

The police action also brings attention to the continued presence of analogue and unauthorised cable distribution networks in parts of Odisha, despite India's transition to the Digital Addressable System (DAS).

India's cable television sector was required to move to DAS, with the final phase of digitisation completed by March 31, 2017. The system was intended to ensure addressable, encrypted and subscriber-managed distribution of television channels.

According to the complaints, some local networks are allegedly continuing to use consumer DTH set-top boxes to receive channels and then distribute them commercially to multiple households. Broadcasters have argued that such arrangements bypass authorised distribution agreements and make subscriber numbers difficult to monitor.

The Odisha cases therefore also highlight the enforcement challenges that broadcasters and law enforcement agencies continue to face in smaller markets, where local cable networks remain an important part of television distribution.

The police cases come as broadcasters have increased their focus on protecting content and distribution rights, particularly for premium entertainment and sports channels. For broadcasters, unauthorised retransmission can result in revenue leakage while also undermining agreements with licensed cable operators and multi-system operators.

JioStar's complaints have provided the basis for the latest police action in Odisha, but the enforcement itself is being carried out through the state police machinery, with cases now registered across multiple districts.

With fresh cases being filed in Ganjam, Kandhamal and Bhadrak and earlier action recorded in Jajpur and Puri, the Odisha Police action indicates that unauthorised cable retransmission remains an active enforcement issue in the state's television distribution market.