Madras HC Grants Interim Injunction Protecting Yash Raj Films' 'Alpha' From Piracy [Read Order]

Chennai: The Madras High Court has granted an ad-interim injunction protecting the copyright in Yash Raj Films' upcoming movie "Alpha", starring Alia Bhatt, restraining infringement ahead of its theatrical release and permitting dynamic blocking of infringing online content, subject to conditions imposed by it.

Justice K. Kumaresh Babu was hearing two original applications filed by Yash Raj Films Pvt Ltd in a suit seeking remedies for apprehended infringement of its copyright in the cinematographic film "Alpha". O.A. No. 652 of 2026 sought an injunction against Bharath Sanchar Nigam Limited and 28 other Internet service providers, restraining them, as well as any other websites subsequently discovered by the plaintiff, from infringing the film and directing them to block all listed and future infringing websites and webpages, including their prefixes and suffixes. O.A. No. 653 of 2026 sought a parallel injunction against Action Lane and three other cable TV operators, restraining them from infringing the film through any medium, including CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, VCDs, cable TV, DTH, internet and multimedia messaging services, pen drives, hard drives, tapes and satellite conditional access systems.

As evidence of its ownership of the copyright, the plaintiff placed on record the CBFC certificate describing it as the producer, along with promotional material showing that the film was slated for release on 03.07.2026.

The court observed that in matters of this nature, irreversible injury was likely to occur unless unlawful broadcast was prevented, but noted that, given the expansive nature of the relief sought, the legitimate business interests of one or more respondents could also be affected, and that the plaintiff would accordingly be required to indemnify them in that regard.

Subject to this condition, the court granted the ad-interim injunctions as prayed for in both applications, for a period of four weeks, with notice to the respondents made returnable within the same period. Private notice through speed post with acknowledgment due was also permitted, and the applicant was directed to comply with Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the CPC. The matter was directed to be listed after four weeks.

Appearances: Mr. T. Pandiyan, for M/s. P.K. Law Firm, appeared for the applicant in both applications.

Case Title: Yash Raj Films Pvt Ltd versus Bharath Sanchar Nigam Limited & Ors., O.A. Nos. 652 and 653 of 2026 in C.S.(Comm.Div.) No. 183 of 2026

[Read Order]