Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 26: Zee Entertainment Enterprises has approached the Delhi High Court seeking contempt proceedings against JioStar, alleging that the Reliance-Disney joint venture continued to use Zee's copyrighted music and songs despite a court injunction, according to a legal filing.
The filing, dated September 21, alleges that JioStar was guilty of “wilful disobedience” by continuing to use Zee's copyrighted works in programmes broadcast on its platforms despite the court order restraining such use.
JioStar, formed following the $8.5-billion merger of Reliance and Disney's Indian media assets in 2024, did not comment on the allegations. Zee also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The copyright dispute came up before the Delhi High Court on Friday. According to a person familiar with the hearing, the court sought JioStar's response to Zee's latest allegations and listed the matter for further hearing in December.
The dispute began in April when Zee sought $3 million in damages, alleging around 50 copyright violations involving content from its music division.
In May, the Delhi High Court directed JioStar not to “use, publish, broadcast, stream, upload” any of Zee's licensed works.
JioStar's lawyers had earlier told the court that the alleged infringements were “unintentional” and “purely residual in nature”. The company had also said in May that it had removed a substantial amount of Zee's content following the expiry of licensing agreements.
In its latest filing, Zee cited six instances between May and July which it said demonstrated that JioStar continued to use its copyrighted works.
Zee alleged that JioStar was “illegally and actively exploiting” its copyrighted works and sought action for alleged violation of the court's order.
The dispute is among several copyright battles reflecting growing competition for content rights as India's television and streaming sectors undergo consolidation.
Backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, JioStar is India's largest media and entertainment company, while Zee is one of the country's oldest broadcasters and a major rival.
JioStar has also previously initiated legal proceedings against Zee, alleging unauthorised broadcasting of popular Bollywood films at a time when the Reliance-Disney joint venture held the rights to the content.
The latest proceedings add another legal dimension to the ongoing copyright dispute between the two media companies.