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In a major development against online piracy, the Delhi High Court has granted a unique legal order known as a “superlative injunction” in favour of broadcaster Star India. This new order allows Star India to instantly block unauthorized mobile apps that stream its content illegally — a step beyond the traditional approach that focused only on websites.

Justice Saurabh Banerjee issued the order on May 29, saying the “superlative injunction” gives Star India the power to take immediate action against newly discovered piracy platforms without having to return to court each time.

The case involves Star India’s complaint against “IPTV Smarters” and other unknown platforms that were illegally streaming live sports content, including the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the upcoming England Tour of India in 2025.

Earlier, on February 10, the court had already granted a temporary order blocking several rogue websites. However, Star India later identified 16 new websites and three mobile apps also involved in piracy. The broadcaster argued that the delays in legal processes risk serious financial loss, especially during live sports events where pirated streams spread quickly.

The court agreed, recognizing that online pirates often create new websites or app versions to avoid being shut down. It said there’s no reason to limit anti-piracy measures only to websites.

“There is no harm in giving the same blocking powers for rogue mobile apps as we do for rogue websites,” the court said.

<strong>As part of the order:</strong>

1) Domain name registrars must suspend infringing websites.

2) Internet service providers must block access in real time when Star India reports piracy.

3) The platforms involved must also reveal the names, contact details, and payment information of the people behind the piracy.

This new legal approach will stay in effect until July 3. The court also clarified that no extra notices need to be served for these new measures to take effect.

This is the first time an Indian court has used and defined a “superlative injunction” — a stronger version of the existing “dynamic+ injunction” — to fight digital piracy across both websites and mobile applications.

Delhi HC allows Star India to instantly block pirated apps and websites

In a significant development following the recent bust of a ₹700 crore illegal IPTV operation, Gujarat Police are intensifying their investigation into the suspect, for potential involvement in radicalization activities and illicit financial transactions linked to international piracy syndicates based in Syria and Middle East. 

Mohammed Murtuza Ali, an app developer from Jalandhar, Punjab, was arrested for allegedly operating "BOS IPTV," an unauthorized streaming service that allegedly reached approximately five million subscribers. The service broadcasted thousands of premium channels, including several Pakistani news and entertainment networks, without authorization.

Gujarat police officers are probing whether Ali's platform was used to disseminate extremist content aimed at radicalizing viewers. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) will probe the extent to which the unauthorized broadcasting of certain channels may have contributed to spreading radical ideologies within India.

Dharmendra Sharma, Superintendent of Police, Gujarat Cyber Crime Cell told Storyboard18, "The suspect was clearly dealing with Pakistani nationals to distribute content. Radicalisation via distributing such content is we are investigating." 

Furthermore, "We want to track down the servers used by the suspect for distributing such illicit content in India. We are investigating further about other persons involved in the matter." 

According to Gujarat police, there are potential links between Ali's operations and international syndicates based in Pakistan and Syria and the Middle East. These connections are under scrutiny to determine the extent of foreign involvement in the IPTV service and any associated activities. A officer privy to investigation said, "The accused is a member of the larger syndicate and distributed copyright content via WhatsApp and Telegram." 

According to the police, the suspect also broadcasted and streamed advertisements of Pakistani led brands and were actively laundering money via cryptocurrency. The Gujarat police is tracking the money trail for collecting evidence against the suspect. 

Storyboard18 had first reported that acting on a complaint from Star India, have arrested an alleged kingpin behind an illicit Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service that attracted roughly five million subscribers and generated an estimated ₹700 crore (US $84 million) in annual revenue.  

The suspect is believed to have streamed thousands of premium linear television channels—including several Pakistani news networks and entertainment serials—without authorization.

The charges invoked include sections 303, 318(4), and 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, along with Sections 37, 51, 63, and 65A of the Indian Copyright Act, 1957, and Sections 65, 66, 66B, and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The police have seized 3 laptops and 2 mobile phones, which were allegedly used to operate and manage the illegal IPTV service.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/television/exclusive-gujarat-police-star-india-bust-%E2%82%B9700-crore-iptv-racket-streaming-pakistani-channels-66250.htm">Read More: EXCLUSIVE: Gujarat police, Star India bust ₹700 crore IPTV racket streaming Pakistani channels</a>

“This crackdown is a critical milestone in our ongoing fight against piracy,” said a spokesperson at JioStar. “We commend the swift and impactful action by the Cyber Police in Gandhinagar and other agencies involved. At JioStar, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protect our content, partners, and the interests of millions of lawful subscribers. We will not hesitate to take the strongest possible legal action against anyone found engaging in such unlawful activities.”

Storyboard18 had earlier reported that the Law enforcement agencies in the UAE had raided the operations of an alleged rogue Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) provider. The raid resulted in the seizure of IPTV boxes containing 12,000 pirated premium channels and content from various rightsholders.

Disney Star had filed a criminal complaint in UAE against a rogue IPTV provider, primeproott.com, which was selling IPTV boxes through its website. The complaint stated that the rogue operator charged Rs 5,750 for the box and Rs 2,300 for access to the application.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-major-iptv-piracy-ring-busted-in-dubai-following-disney-star-complaint-42678.htm">Read More: Breaking: Major IPTV piracy ring busted following Disney Star complaint</a>

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/delhi-high-court-blocks-pirate-app-streaming-disney-star-content-46715.htm">Read More: Delhi High Court blocks pirate app streaming Disney Star content</a>


Gujarat police probes radicalization, Syria links in ₹700 crore IPTV piracy case

In a major crackdown on piracy, Gujarat’s Gandhinagar Cyber Police, acting on a complaint from Star India, have arrested an alleged kingpin behind an illicit Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service that attracted roughly five million subscribers and generated an estimated ₹700 crore (US $84 million) in annual revenue.  

Investigators identified the accused as Mohammed Murtuza Ali, an app developer based in Jalandhar, Punjab. Operating under the brand name “BOS IPTV,” Ali is believed to have streamed thousands of premium linear television channels—including several Pakistani news networks and entertainment serials—without authorization. 

Police say the service had been active since 2020.  “We traced the suspect’s IP addresses and executed a swift arrest in Jalandhar,” Chaitanya Mandlik, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gandhinagar Range, told Storyboard18.
“We are now probing whether he had links to a wider international piracy ring.”

This is not the first time Gujarat authorities have battled BOSS IPTV. A similar case was lodged against the platform in 2021, but the service resurfaced, apparently expanding its reach and revenues. The latest bust was initiated after Star India detected its live TV signals being rebroadcast online and filed a formal piracy complaint. 

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/breaking-major-iptv-piracy-ring-busted-in-dubai-following-disney-star-complaint-42678.htm">Read More: Breaking: Major IPTV piracy ring busted following Disney Star complaint</a>

The entertainment sector has long battled IPTV piracy, which erodes broadcaster revenues and undermines content creators. Earlier this year, Disney-owned Star India cooperated with law-enforcement agencies in the United Arab Emirates to seize boxes capable of delivering 12,000 pirated channels—an operation believed to be linked to the same network. 

The Gandhinagar Cyber Police are analyzing seized servers, bank records, and subscriber databases to map the full extent of the operation. Additional arrests could follow, and investigators say cross-border cooperation may be necessary if evidence confirms an international syndicate.

If convicted under India’s Information Technology Act and the Copyright Act, the accused could face substantial fines and imprisonment. Meanwhile, broadcasters are urging consumers to avoid unauthorized streaming services, warning that “cheap” subscriptions often come bundled with malware risks and zero customer protection.  

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/disney-star-trains-dubai-police-will-expand-anti-piracy-drive-in-gcc-countries-44729.htm">Read More: Disney Star trains Dubai Police, will expand anti-piracy drive in GCC countries</a>  

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/delhi-high-court-blocks-pirate-app-streaming-disney-star-content-46715.htm">Read More: Delhi High Court blocks pirate app streaming Disney Star content</a>

EXCLUSIVE: Gujarat police, Star India bust ₹700 crore IPTV racket streaming Pakistani channels

The Kochi City Cyber Crime Police have arrested two individuals for their alleged involvement in illegally live-streaming Indian television channels. The suspects are allegedly also part of an international piracy syndicate that streamed banned Pakistani channels through their website. Additionally, they were involved in the unauthorized distribution of the ICC Champions Trophy matches.

According to the Kochi City Cyber Crime Police, media conglomerate Star India had filed a First Information Report (FIR) against two websites—Neeplay and MHD TV World—for illegally streaming channels such as Asianet, Star Sports, Star Vijay, and Disney Channel, among others.

Following an extensive investigation, authorities arrested Shibin (38), from Malappuram, and Mohammed Shefins (32), from Perumbavoor. Both individuals were identified as the administrators of the websites in question. Their illegal activities not only infringed upon copyright laws but also had broader security and legal implications due to their connection with an international piracy network.

Kochi City Police Commissioner Putta Vimaladitya and Deputy Commissioner of Police J. Mahesh led a strategic operation to apprehend the accused. Law enforcement officials meticulously planned and executed a trap to track down and arrest the suspects.

According to a senior police officer involved in the investigation, a breakthrough came when one of the suspects posted a promotional image of Neeplay on Instagram, inadvertently revealing crucial details that helped authorities dismantle the piracy syndicate.

The illegal streaming network was not limited to Indian television content. Authorities revealed that Neeplay and MHD TV World were part of a larger international syndicate involved in broadcasting Pakistani, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi TV channels.

When questioned about the possible involvement of international players, the police indicated that one of the arrested suspects had worked in the Middle East for nearly a decade. This raises suspicions of deeper global connections, and the authorities are actively investigating potential links to piracy operations based in Saudi Arabia and other foreign locations.

Streaming or broadcasting Pakistani channels in India is illegal and poses a potential national security threat. The Kerala Police are now considering filing more serious charges against the accused, depending on further investigations.

In addition, the Kochi police have initiated steps to block both the illegal websites to prevent further copyright violations. The suspects will be presented in court, where they may face severe legal repercussions for their involvement in digital piracy.

Law enforcement officials have urged the public to report piracy-related activities and warned that such offenses carry serious legal consequences under Indian law.

In July 2024, the Kerala Cyber Crime Police had arrested Jeb Stephen Raj, a 33-year-old from Madurai, who was involved with the notorious piracy website Tamil Rockers. He was caught in Thiruvananthapuram while illegally recording the film 'Raayan', Dhanush's 50th movie, using a mobile phone covertly placed in a theater seat cup holder. 

Social media blunder helps Kochi police bust international piracy network

The Delhi High Court recently issued an injunction against a rogue pirate app and its several websites to prevent them from streaming, reproducing, or making Disney Star channel content available to the public. The lawsuit, filed by Disney Star, seeks a permanent injunction against the King's Pro+ app and related websites.

The court instructed the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to notify various internet and telecom service providers under their jurisdiction to block the infringing websites. 

Disney Star's petition argued that the King’s app, an unauthorized mobile application, lacks permission to reproduce, store, or display Hotstar’s content, for which Disney Star holds exclusive rights. The petition also asserted that the King’s app seeks to exploit Disney Star’s copyright-protected content, offering an alternative to legitimate sources.

Justice Amit Bansal found that Disney Star had made a prima facie case, with the balance of convenience in its favor. Accordingly, the court barred the King’s app from hosting, streaming, distributing, or otherwise making Disney Star's copyrighted content, shows, or programs accessible to the public.

The court also directed the domain name registrar to disclose information about King’s ownership, including name, address, IP address, payment method, bank details, and information on any other websites infringing Disney Star’s content. Additionally, it ordered PayPal Payment Private Limited to freeze the account of the King's app owner. The next hearing is scheduled for February 27, 2025.

Delhi High Court blocks pirate app streaming Disney Star content

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) published the 48-page detailed order approving the mega media merger of Reliance Industries and Walt Disney, entailing various conditions, including divestment of seven TV channels. Reliance expects to complete merger with Disney's India business in Q3. 

As part of seeking the regulator's approval, the parties have voluntarily agreed that they will not bundle TV ad slots for IPL, ICC and BCCI cricketing rights till the end of existing rights. Also, the parties will sell seven TV channels, including Hungama and Super Hungama.

Among other conditions, the companies have voluntarily agreed that they will not bundle together the TV ad slot sales for all three cricketing rights available with them — IPL, ICC and BCCI — for the remaining tenure of the existing rights.

"The parties will not bundle together OTT ad slot sales for all three cricketing rights available with the parties i.e. IPL, ICC and BCCI for the balance tenure of the existing rights," the 48-page order said.

The parties have given an undertaking that they will not increase the advertisement rates to an unreasonable level on their TV and streaming platforms for the ICC and IPL events till the current rights are held by them.

On August 28, CCI said it had approved the merger of media assets of Reliance Industries and The Walt Disney Co to create the country's largest media empire worth over ₹70,000 crore.

The deal, announced earlier this year, had faced scrutiny by the anti-trust regulator, and the approval has come after the parties proposed certain modifications to the original transaction structure.

Reliance is all set to control over 60 per cent of the new combined unit — 16 per cent directly and 47 per cent via the Viacom18 Media business it largely owns — while 37 per cent goes to Disney. The combined entity will hold two streaming services and 120 television channels. Reliance owns Viacom18 Media and Digital18, and Disney controls Star India and Star Television.


Reliance-Disney merger: CCI releases 48 page order, parties agree to not bundle cricket ad slots

K. Madhavan, Country Manager and President of Disney Star has stepped down after a 15-year tenure. Madhavan took over the role in 2019 after Uday Shankar’s departure. Madhavan joined Star India in 2009 as South Head, enhancing its regional entertainment portfolio.

He played a crucial role in shaping the company’s strategy and growth, overseeing the Disney, Star, and Disney+ Hotstar brands across General Entertainment, Sports, Direct-to-Consumer, and Studios. 

Prior to this, he served as MD and CEO of Asianet from 2000-2008, where he played a crucial role in growing the channel to a dominant 50% market share in South India. He has been responsible for driving the growth of the business, focusing on innovation, and creating compelling content for consumers.

Madhavan joined Star India in 2009 as its South Head. Under his leadership, the company built a thriving regional entertainment portfolio. 

Sources close to the development confirmed the update. Disney Star declined to comment. 

A source close to the developments said, “Multiple senior leaders have stepped down due to the ongoing merger. There will be a few more exits in the top leadership team.” 

In addition to his role at Disney Star, Madhavan was also President of the Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF), Chairman of the National Committee of Media & Entertainment for the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Director of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) India, and served on the board of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum.



Disney Star's K Madhavan quits after 15 year tenure

The Walt Disney has named Morgan Stanley executive James Gorman as its next chairman. He will take on the role early next year, with Disney also announcing that it will name its new chief executive in early 2026. 

Gorman will become chairman on January 2 2025, succeeding Mark Parker, who is leaving after serving on Disney’s board for nine years. The incoming chairman is currently chair of Disney’s succession planning committee. He serves as executive chairman at Morgan Stanley, but will be stepping down from that post at the end of the year.

Disney chief executive Bob Iger said, “The Disney board has benefited tremendously from James Gorman’s expertise and guidance, and we are lucky to have him as our next chairman – particularly as the Board continues to move forward with the succession process.”

“A critical priority before us is to appoint a new CEO, which we now expect to announce in early 2026,” Gorman said in a statement provided by Disney. “This timing reflects the progress the succession planning committee and the board are making, and will allow ample time for a successful transition before the conclusion of Bob Iger’s contract in December 2026.”

The issue of CEO succession at Disney was a flash point in the protracted proxy fight launched by activist investor Nelson Peltz, who alleged Disney’s board failed to do its job with respect to CEO succession planning in not vetting former parks boss Bob Chapek, who was Iger’s personal pick to take over the job in 2020. The board ousted Chapek in November 2022 and Iger returned as CEO. Peltz ultimately lost his bid to shake up Disney’s board (seeking seats for himself and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo) and earlier this year reportedly sold all his Disney shares.

Gorman said, “I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Disney’s chairman at this important moment in the company’s history. In the short time I have had the opportunity to work with Mark, I have come to appreciate and deeply respect his authentic leadership, humility and intelligence. I know all directors join me in saying we have been honored to serve with him as the chairman of the board.”

Prior to joining Morgan Stanley in 2006, Gorman held executive positions at Merrill Lynch and was a senior partner at McKinsey & Co. He serves as a director of the Council on Foreign Relations, chair of the board of overseers of the Columbia Business School, and is a member of the Business Council. 

Gorman formerly served as a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, president of the Federal Advisory Council to the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, and co-chairman of the business committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Disney names James Gorman as next Chairman, will take charge in 2025

The Disney Star’s anti-piracy team recently trained Dubai police and law enforcement agencies on combating content piracy in the region. Sources have indicated that the team will also train law enforcement agencies in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Digital video piracy results in revenue losses ranging from $40 to $97 billion for the global film industry. The losses for the global television industry are estimated to be between $40 billion and $95 billion. The Indian entertainment sector experiences an annual revenue loss of approximately $2.8 billion due to digital piracy, according to a report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development.

On September 19, Storyboard18 reported that Disney Star India has taken its fight against piracy to the international level by conducting an operation to raid a suspected rogue Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) provider in Dubai. The raid led to the seizure of multiple IPTV boxes containing 12,000 pirated premium channels and content from various rights holders.

The illegal sale of these IPTV boxes undermines the principles of broadcast licensing and negatively affects the fees broadcasters pay for sports and entertainment rights.

A source close to the development said, “We have noticed that a majority of the pirates in these regions are from Pakistan and Bangladesh. The content they illegally distribute belongs to multiple rights holders. The team recently trained the Dubai police officers and other law enforcement agencies.” 

The source claimed that Disney’s anti-piracy team will meet with law enforcement agencies in GCC countries in phases to train them on anti-piracy laws and the methods used by notorious content pirates. The idea is to not only spread awareness but to also build a network for swift crackdown on notorious pirates. Moreover, the Disney Star's anti-piracy team is closely monitoring two notorious content pirates operating in India and MENA region. 

In November 2023, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the film industry faces losses of up to Rs 20,000 crore every year due to piracy. The MIB also established an institutional mechanism of Nodal Officers to receive complaints against piracy and direct intermediaries to remove pirated content from digital platforms.

Earlier, in June 2024, the Ahmedabad Police, along with Disney Star's anti-piracy team led by Major Ashok Yadav, dismantled a network of illegal streaming websites broadcasting ICC T20 World Cup matches. This operation led to the shutdown of platforms like magicwin.games and magicwin.com, which were not only streaming live cricket matches but also promoting illegal betting activities.

Disney Star trains Dubai Police, will expand anti-piracy drive in GCC countries

The Modi government has approved the transfer of licenses relating to non-news and current affairs TV channels held by Viacom18Media in favor of Star India Private Limited. In February this year, RIL-owned Viacom 18 Media and US-based The Walt Disney Company-owned Star India had announced the merger to create a Joint Venture.

In its regulatory filing, Reliance Industries informed the stock exchanges that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), Government of India, vide its order dated September 27, 2024, has granted its approval for transfer of Licenses relating to Non News & Current Affairs TV channels held by Viacom18 Media Private Limited. 
“This in favour of Star India Private Limited subject to conditions laid by Competition Commission of India.”

RIL, Viacom18 and The Walt Disney Company (Disney) signed the binding definitive agreements to form a joint venture that will combine the businesses of Viacom18 and Star India. As part of the transaction, the media undertaking of Viacom18 will be merged into Star India Private Limited through a court approved scheme of arrangement.

The transaction valued the JV at Rs 70,352 crore and RIL had agreed to invest at closing Rs 11,500 crore (approximately USD 1.4 billion) into the JV for its growth strategy.
The merger had got approval from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) in August with few observations.


Huge win for Reliance, Modi govt approves transfer of License from Viacom18 to Star India

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