In a major development in protecting the much-awaited Rajinikanth starrer, coolie, again the Madras High Court has made a massive interim injunction. The direction to the 36 internet service providers (ISPs) will specifically and clearly block the list of so-called rogue websites in the country as established by one of their listings, which has been found to be heavily housing pirated materials.
This legal initiative is taken directly ahead of the theatrical release of the film and it is meant to forestall the monetary and artistic irreparable harm that would be caused to producers, Sun TV Network, because of illicit distribution. The ruling shows just how serious the judiciary is with regard to enforcing the rights on intellectual property in the contemporary world of digitalization.
Digital Fortification for Film
The directive of the Madras High Court is very exhaustive given that it does not only cover the blocking of existing pirate websites. As part of the order, the ISPs will also have to crack down on any new web pages or web sites that might be started with the aim of streaming or downloading Coolie in an illegal manner. This proactive strategy is meant to meet the adaptive character of the piracy networks as they usually find new areas to bypass such legal blockades.
Moreover, the injunction applies not only to the cyber-space, being extended to a prohibition of the broadcast in form of pirated editions of the film by five Chennai-based chains devoted to the broadcasting of cable television. Such a two front approach, one against online piracy and the other against conventional piracy reflects the gravity of the problem and the determination of the court to establish a strong defense of the movie release.
Legal Precedent and Film Protection
This landmark case will act as a good precedent in the industry of Indian movies giving the industry, a valuable weapon to combat the ever looming shadow of piracy. The court by granting an interim injunction has recognized the imminent and disastrous consequences piracy has on the success and the box office earnings of a movie. This is an important move by the law which acts to the benefit of the producers who have reportedly incurred huge losses in instances of illegal downloads and streaming of movies within hours of their release.
It sends out a loud warning to the pirates and illegal distributors that they will suffer legal action in a swift and decisive manner together with an increase in protection of creative works and adequate compensation to the creators of creative works.
Also Read: Rajinikanth’s Coolie Smashes Rs 250 Crore Before Release, Breaks Records!
A recent media graduate, Bhumi Vashisht is currently making a significant contribution as a committed content writer. She brings new ideas to the media sector and is an expert at creating strategic content and captivating tales, having working in the field from past four months.
