Madras HC Shields Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan Starrer “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do” from Piracy; Grants Ad Interim Injunction Against ISPs and Cable TV Operators Ahead of Release [Read Order]

Chennai: The Madras High Court has granted an ad interim injunction in favour of Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited, the producer of the upcoming Hindi film “Pati Patni Aur Woh Do”, starring Ayushmann Khurrana and Sara Ali Khan, restraining internet service providers and cable television operators from broadcasting or transmitting the film without authorisation.

Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy passed the order on 30 April 2026 in O.A. Nos. 414 and 415 of 2026 in C.S. (Comm. Div.) No. 131 of 2026, just over a fortnight before the film’s scheduled theatrical release on 15 May 2026.

Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited filed a commercial suit before the Madras High Court seeking remedies in respect of the apprehended infringement of its copyright in the cinematographic film. Two original applications were simultaneously presented—one directed against 29 respondents comprising internet service providers, with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited as the lead respondent, and the other directed against four cable television operators. The applicant was represented by Mr. A.M. Venkatakrishnan of M/s P.K. Law Firm.

As proof of ownership of the copyright in the film, the applicant placed before the Court the certificate issued by the Central Board of Film Certification, which identified Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited as the producer. Promotional material establishing the release date of 15 May 2026 was also produced before the Court.

Justice Ramamoorthy, while considering the prayer for ad interim relief, noted the dual concerns that arise in matters of this nature. On one hand, the Court observed that irreparable injury is likely to occur to the copyright owner if unauthorised broadcast is not prevented before and around the date of release, given that piracy of a film in the period immediately preceding and following theatrical release can cause significant commercial harm. On the other hand, the Court acknowledged the expansive nature of the relief sought—directed against a large number of internet service providers and cable TV operators—and noted that the legitimate business interests of one or more respondents could be affected by a blanket restraint order.

Balancing these competing considerations, the Court imposed a condition of indemnification on the applicant, requiring Super Cassettes Industries Private Limited to indemnify any respondent whose legitimate business interests may be adversely affected by the interim order. Subject to this condition, the Court granted an ad interim injunction as prayed for in both applications until 22 June 2026. The Court issued notice to all respondents, making the notice returnable on 22 June 2026, and also permitted private notice to be served. The applicant was directed to comply with the requirements of Order XXXIX Rule 3 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, which mandates disclosure of material facts at the time of obtaining an ex parte injunction.

Case Title: Super Cassettes Industries Pvt. Ltd. v. Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and Others

[Read Order]