Madras High Court: While hearing a suit seeking remedies in respect of apprehended infringement of copyright in the cinematographic film “Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos”, slated for release on 16012026, a Single Judge Bench of Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, J., held that irreparable injury would be caused unless ad interim relief is granted as , in view of the expansive nature of the relief claimed, the legitimate business interests of one or more respondents may be affected. Accordingly, ad interim injunction as prayed for was granted until 02-02-2026, subject to the applicant indemnifying the respondents against potential losses and the internet service providers and cable operators were barred from unauthorised streaming of “Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos”.
The dispute arose from apprehended infringement of the plaintiff’s copyright in the cinematographic film “Happy Patel Khatarnak Jasoos”. To safeguard its rights, the plaintiff presented two applications seeking interim relief against internet service providers and cable TV operators, who were arrayed as respondents in the respective applications.
As prima facie evidence of ownership, the plaintiff submitted the Central Board of Film Certification (‘CBFC’) certificate which mentions the plaintiff as the producer. The promotional material further reveals that the movie is slated for release on 16-01-2026.
The Court emphasised that in matters of this nature, it is likely that irreparable injury would be caused unless ad interim relief is granted. The Court observed that in view of the expansive nature of the relief claimed, it is possible that the legitimate business interest of one or more respondents may be affected. Therefore, the applicant shall indemnify in respect thereof.
Finally, the Court ordered that the ad interim injunction, as prayed for, shall remain in force until 02-02-2026. It was further directed issuance of notice to the respondents, returnable on that date, with private notice being permitted. Consequently, compliance with Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the Civil Procedure Code, 1908 (CPC) was directed.
[Aamir Khan Productions (P) Ltd. v. Bharath Sanchar Nigam Ltd., 2026 SCC OnLine Mad 509, decided on 12-01-2026]
Advocates who appeared in this case:
For the Plaintiff: T. Pandiyan