Madras High Court Grants Interim Injunction To Block Unauthorized Broadcast Of 'Jab Khuli Kitab'

The Madras High Court on 16 March, held that preventive measures are necessary to protect copyright owners from irreparable harm and granted an ad‑interim injunction restraining unauthorized broadcasting of the film Jab Khuli Kitab.

A single‑judge Bench of Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy allowed the injunction against dozens of internet service providers (ISPs) and cable TV operators. He held:

“In matters of this nature, it is likely that irreversible injury will occur unless unlawful broadcast is prevented. At the same time, in view of the expansive nature of the relief claimed, it is possible that the legitimate business interest of one or more respondents may be affected. Therefore, it is necessary that plaintiff shall indemnify in respect thereof.”

The suit was filed by Applause Entertainment Private Limited, which claimed ownership of the copyright in Jab Khuli Kitab through a production service agreement dated 6 September 2021 with Shoe Strap Films LLP.

The film, a romantic comedy-drama directed by Saurabh Shukla and starring Pankaj Kapur and Dimple Kapadia as an elderly couple seeking divorce after 50 years of marriage, was released on ZEE5 on 6 March 2026.

Applause Entertainment submitted that immediate intervention was necessary to prevent unauthorised online distribution, asserting that irreparable injury would result unless the infringing activity was restrained.

Justice Ramamoorthy observed that, given the expansive nature of the relief sought, safeguards in the form of indemnity were warranted before implementing the blocking orders. He stated:

“Subject to this condition, orders of ad interim injunction as prayed for are granted in these two applications until 06.04.2026.”

Accordingly, the Court directed that the orders remain in force until 6 April 2026.