The Bombay High Court on Friday directed that internet service providers (ISPs) and digital platforms should take down pirated content/ links of the film Ramayana within a strict three-hour window as and when such take down notice is given by the film's copyright owner [Godpower Media Private Limited v. John Does & Ors]
Vacation judge Justice Ashish S Chavan also directed the ISPs and platforms to provide the contact details of their designated nodal officers to ensure swift response to such take down requests.
Once such request is received, the platforms have to confirm in writing that they will comply with the order on an immediate, real-time basis and that they have systems and persons in place to do so.
The Court passed the order on a suit filed by Godpower Media Private Limited (plaintiff), which holds the film's copyright.
The film, an adaptation of the Indian epic Ramayana, was released on November 5. It stars Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi and Yash as Rama, Sita and Ravana respectively.
On November 6, Godpower moved the copyright plea for urgent reliefs.
The plea sought comprehensive protection for the ₹4,000 crore two-part project after previews were surreptitiously recorded and leaked online.
Senior Advocate Ashish Kamat, appearing for Godpower, argued that even a delay of a few hours in processing take-down requests allows pirated material to spread beyond reach.
After hearing the matter, the Court observed that Godpower's piracy concerns were genuine.
“After the theatrical release of the suit film the infringing contents have surfaced across multiple platforms,” the judge noted.
The Court ordered the intermediaries to “act immediately upon each take-downs/blocking notice issued by Godpower, and in any event within 3 (three) hours of receipt”.
The relief on November 6 was in addition to the dynamic injunction granted earlier on November 2.
The Court had on that date restrained unidentified ‘John Doe’ entities from unauthorisedly recording or streaming the film.
The matter will next be heard on December 16.
Godpower Media was represented by Senior Advocate Ashish Kamath with advocates Ameet Naik, Madhu Gadodia instructed by Anand and Naik.
[Read Order]