New Delhi: The Delhi high court has restrained the unauthorised broadcast of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics by several rogue websites, multi-system operators, and local cable operators. The much-awaited international sports extravaganza is set to begin on 23 July and conclude on 8 August.
The court was hearing a plea filed by Sony Pictures Networks India, which is the official, exclusive broadcaster of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in India.
According to the SPN, over 40 websites and over 30 multi-system operators, and local cable operators illegally broadcasted pirated content in violation of the copyright act and argued that the new IT Rules of 2021 required an ISP to protect a party's proprietary rights. In the plea, Sony Pictures has stated that these websites and cable TV operators were habitual defaulters as they have in the past infringed its exclusive rights for the broadcast of certain cricket matches.
The court thus directed the internet service providers (ISPs) to block access to these websites illegally broadcasting the games on their platforms. The ex-parte interim order will remain in force till the next date of hearing on 29 September, it added.
The court has asked the government to issue necessary directions/notifications calling upon various ISPs to block access to rogue websites. It has also issued summons in the plea and sought response from the defendants within four weeks.
Sony Pictures owns and operates the Sony Ten Network of channels which includes Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 1 HD, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3, Sony Ten 2 HD, Sony Ten 3 HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, Sony Six, Sony Six HD.
In its agreement with the International Olympics Association, SPN has the exclusive right to broadcast the games over any media platform. The network has also put together a series of ‘Hum Honge Kamyab’ films on-air and on their social media platforms led by eminent personalities sending their best wishes to the Indian contingent for the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020.
The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will be telecast LIVE on SONY TEN 1, SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3, SONY TEN 4, and SONY SIX channels from 23 July to 8 August.
