Madras High Court Allows Dynamic Blocking Of Pirated Content of YRF's 'Alpha' Starring Alia Bhatt

The Madras High Court on 3 July 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 sitting on the original civil jurisdiction of the Court, allowed applications against Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited and other respondents, including internet service providers, cable operators, and websites named in the plaint. 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 the plaintiff shall indemnify in respect thereof.”

Yash Raj Films instituted the suit seeking protection of its copyright in the film “Alpha” prior to its theatrical release. It moved the Court for a dynamic injunction directing blocking of websites, including mirror and redirect domains that may emerge after release and host infringing content.

It also sought restraint against cable operators and intermediaries from camcording, duplicating, or distributing the film through DVDs, DTH platforms, and the internet. The production house produced the CBFC certificate naming it as the film's producer along with promotional material showing the scheduled release date of 3 July 2026.

The Court observed that unauthorised dissemination of the film could cause irreversible harm if not restrained in advance. It further noted that the broad scope of the relief sought could impact legitimate business interests of certain respondents.

Accordingly, it directed the plaintiff to furnish an indemnity as a condition for grant of the injunction. The matter is listed for further hearing after four weeks.