Delhi HC's fiat on illegal telecast of cricket matches in Australia

The Delhi High Court has asked the cable operators not to resort to unauthorized live telecast of ongoing test match series in Australia and other fixtures to be played between India and Australia.

Justice AK Pathak, in a John Doe order (the order passed against unknown persons), directed the cable operators across the country not to telecast matches being played by the touring Indian cricket team in Australia.

"Since the plaintiff (ESPN Software India Pvt Ltd) has a copyright over the broadcasting/telecasting of the aforesaid matches in India, prima facie, neither the defendants (cable operators) nor any other person(s) are entitled to broadcast/telecast the same without obtaining any licence from the plaintiff," the court said.

It also said ESPN Star Sports was given a license by Cricket Australia to telecast the matches involving Indian team there.