“Delhi High Court Cracks Down on Illegal Streaming: Dynamic+ Injunction Blocks Piracy Websites”
“Court says copyrighted works must be protected as soon as they are created”
“Dynamic+ injunction empowers rights holders to block mirror and redirect sites”
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 03, 2026:
In a major step against online piracy, the Delhi High Court has ordered the blocking of multiple websites illegally streaming popular shows and films such as Stranger Things, Friends, Squid Game, Batman, and The Jungle Book. The order was passed in the case Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc & Ors vs animesugez.to & Ors, with Justice Tejas Karia granting a Dynamic+ injunction to protect copyrighted works.
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The Court granted a “Dynamic+ injunction” to global entertainment companies including Netflix, Warner Bros., Disney, Apple, and Crunchyroll, allowing them to block not only the named websites but also future mirror or redirect sites. This ruling strengthens India’s fight against online piracy and clarifies the legal framework for protecting copyrighted works.
This ruling is significant for India’s entertainment industry, which has long struggled with piracy-related revenue losses. It also sets a precedent for how courts can respond to the “hydra-headed” nature of piracy websites, which often reappear under new domains.
Legal Issue
- Copyright infringement: Piracy websites were illegally streaming copyrighted shows and films without authorization.
- Dynamic+ injunction: The Court granted rights holders the ability to block not only the listed websites but also future mirror, redirect, or alphanumeric variations.
- Immediate protection: The Court emphasized that copyrighted works must be protected as soon as they are created, to prevent irreparable loss.
Court’s Observations
- Hydra-headed piracy: Piracy websites often reappear under new names or domains, making enforcement difficult.
- Dynamic+ injunction: A proactive legal tool that allows rights holders to extend blocking orders to future infringing sites without filing new suits.
- Balance of rights: The Court recognized the need to protect intellectual property while ensuring internet service providers (ISPs) comply with blocking orders.
- Global precedent: Similar injunctions have been granted in other jurisdictions, showing India’s alignment with international anti-piracy measures.
Comparison Table: Traditional Injunction vs Dynamic+ Injunction
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|
Aspect |
Traditional Injunction |
Dynamic+ Injunction |
Impact |
|
Scope |
Blocks only listed websites |
Blocks listed + future mirror/redirect sites |
Stronger enforcement |
|
Speed |
Requires new suits for new sites |
Immediate extension |
Faster protection |
|
Effectiveness |
Limited |
Comprehensive |
Reduces piracy loopholes |
|
Industry impact |
Partial relief |
Significant relief |
Protects revenues |
Implications for Stakeholders
- Entertainment companies: Stronger protection against piracy, safeguarding billions in revenue.
- ISPs and domain registrars: Must comply with blocking orders within 72 hours.
- Consumers: Encouraged to use legal streaming platforms, reducing exposure to malware and scams.
- Legal system: Sets precedent for proactive copyright enforcement in India.
Wider Context
- Piracy in India: India is among the top countries affected by online piracy, with losses estimated in thousands of crores annually.
- Global trend: Courts in the UK, US, and EU have adopted similar injunctions to combat piracy.
- Digital economy: Protecting intellectual property is crucial for India’s growing OTT and film industry.
Expert Views
- Legal experts: Call the ruling a “game-changer” in India’s fight against piracy.
- Industry leaders: Say the injunction will boost investor confidence in India’s entertainment sector.
- Policy analysts: Note that stronger enforcement may encourage more global platforms to expand in India.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s ruling against piracy websites streaming Stranger Things and Friends marks a turning point in India’s copyright enforcement. By granting a Dynamic+ injunction, the Court has empowered rights holders to act swiftly against infringing sites, ensuring that intellectual property is protected from the moment it is created.
Also Read: India’s AGR rethink: Supreme Court and government craft a pragmatic path for telecom dues
For India’s entertainment industry, this judgment offers hope of reducing piracy-related losses and strengthening the legal framework for digital content. For consumers, it reinforces the importance of accessing content through legitimate platforms.
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