Now Reading: Madras HC orders ISPs to block pirated Batwara 1947 copies
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Madras HC orders ISPs to block pirated Batwara 1947 copies
The Madras High Court has ordered internet service providers to block websites hosting pirated copies of Batwara 1947, produced by Aamir Khan Productions. Justice K Surender issued the interim injunction on August…
The Story in Brief
The Madras High Court has ordered internet service providers to block websites hosting pirated copies of Batwara 1947, produced by Aamir Khan Productions. Justice K Surender issued the interim injunction on August 14 after finding that unauthorised online and cable distribution could cause irreversible injury during the film’s theatrical run.
The court also issued notices to mobile and internet service providers and will hear the matter next on September 11. The production house relied on its Central Board of Film Certification certificate to establish a prima facie copyright claim. The relief is conditional on Aamir Khan Productions indemnifying respondents for losses to legitimate business operations. Rajkumar Santoshi directed the film, which stars Sunny Deol, Preity Zinta and Shabana Azmi.
The Indian Opinion
Piracy claims often produce two lazy narratives: that blocking websites solves the problem, or that copyright enforcement automatically harms internet access. This order does neither. It is temporary, follows a prima facie ownership finding and protects legitimate operators through an indemnity condition. The useful test is whether the September 11 hearing produces a clearer, durable direction and whether lawful access to the film remains unaffected.
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com, barandbench.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
