Delhi High Court Blocks Rogue Websites From Streaming HBO's 'Euphoria' Ahead Of Season 3 Release

The Delhi High Court has recently granted an ex parte ad interim injunction in favour of Home Box Office Inc. (HBO), restraining 43 defendants, including 20 “rogue” websites, from unauthorisedly streaming or distributing its series “Euphoria” ahead of the imminent release of its third season.

The order was passed on April 6, 2026 by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, who observed that any delay in blocking access to infringing websites could result in financial losses and an irreparable breach of HBO's copyright.

“In view of the above and given the fact that the plaintiff has copyright in the Series and the Show in question, if an ex-parte ad-interim injunction is not granted at this stage, irreparable harm would be caused to the plaintiff as the Show is scheduled to be released on OTT Platform JioHotstar on 15.04.2026 in India and on 12.04.2026 globally,” the Court noted.

The court further emphasised that the possibility of unauthorised dissemination of copyrighted content in the digital age requires “effective and swift means” to contain its spread, adding that the need for immediate relief was particularly pressing in view of the upcoming release.

HBO had approached the Court against MOVIEBOX.PH and 42 other parties, seeking urgent relief to restrain the unauthorised streaming and distribution of “Euphoria”, including its earlier seasons and the upcoming third season.

The company submitted that it owns the copyright in the series and that the initial release period is the most commercially critical phase, during which it seeks to recover substantial investments made in production, promotion, and distribution.

It contended that the parallel availability of infringing copies through unauthorised digital platforms would directly erode the commercial value of the show.

Describing itself as an entertainment company engaged in the production and distribution of audiovisual content, HBO pointed to its portfolio of acclaimed series, including “Game of Thrones” and “The Wire."

After considering the submissions and material on record, the Court observed that unauthorised dissemination of the series would pose a significant threat to the plaintiff's revenue and undermine the value of its investment.

In its directions, the court restrained 20 websites, along with any mirror, redirect, or alphanumeric websites associated with them, from hosting, streaming, reproducing, or making available any part of "Euphoria."

It directed Domain Name Registrars to lock and suspend the infringing domain names and furnish details of the registrants, including KYC information, within 72 hours. Internet Service Providers were also directed to block access to the identified websites.

Further, the Department of Telecommunications and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology were directed to issue necessary notifications to ensure blocking of the infringing platforms.

The Court also granted liberty to HBO to notify authorities of any newly discovered infringing websites, directing that such platforms be blocked upon intimation to ensure continued effectiveness of the injunction.