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Digital platforms and internet service providers directed by Bombay High Court to take down unauthorised copies of the film Ramayana within three hours of receiving a complaint from its copyright holder or an authorised representative. (Img: Pinterest)
Mumbai: The Bombay High Court has directed internet service providers and digital platforms to take down unauthorised copies of the film Ramayana within three hours of receiving a complaint from its copyright holder or an authorised representative.
The single-judge Bench of Justice Ashish S. Chavan issued the directions on November 6, emphasising the need for swift action against online piracy after the film's copyright owner, Godpower Media Private Limited, approached the Court alleging that infringing material had started circulating online shortly after the film's theatrical release on November 5.
The Court further directed digital platforms and internet service providers to disclose the contact particulars of their designated nodal officers and provide written assurances that they possess the necessary infrastructure to address copyright infringement complaints promptly.
The copyright owner approached the High Court seeking additional directions to strengthen the anti-piracy safeguards granted through an earlier order dated November 2. It informed the Court that despite issuing notices and reminders to various internet service providers and online platforms on November 4, several entities had not confirmed whether they would act expeditiously on takedown requests.
Senior Advocate Ashish Kamat, representing Godpower Media, highlighted the urgency of the situation, submitting that unauthorised copies of the film and portions of its content could spread rapidly across digital platforms, particularly during the initial period following its release.
He argued that any delay in disabling access to infringing material would substantially undermine the effectiveness of copyright enforcement.
Taking note of the concerns raised by the copyright owner, the High Court directed the concerned intermediaries and internet service providers to act on takedown and blocking requests within a maximum period of three hours from their receipt.
The direction applies to complaints made by Godpower Media or its duly authorised representative and requires the platforms to ensure that access to the identified infringing material is disabled within the stipulated timeframe.
The Court's direction seeks to prevent unauthorised copies from remaining accessible online for prolonged periods while complaints undergo internal examination.
Nodal Officers And Compliance Mechanism Made Man datory
The High Court also directed the concerned entities to provide details of their designated nodal officers, including their names, email addresses and telephone numbers. Additionally, the platforms and service providers must furnish written confirmation that they have adequate technical arrangements and personnel to implement the Court's directions in real time.
The requirement is intended to establish a direct communication mechanism between the copyright owner and digital intermediaries, facilitating quicker identification and removal of pirated material.
The latest directions supplement the interim anti-piracy protection granted by the Bombay High Court on November 2. Through its earlier order, the Court had restrained unidentified persons from recording, reproducing, uploading, streaming, downloading or distributing Ramayana, or any part of the film, without the copyright owner's permission.
The restraint also extended to the circulation of infringing material through websites, social media platforms and other digital channels, including mirror and proxy websites. The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 16, 2026, subject to any further directions issued by the Court.
