Ramayana Gets Major Relief, Bombay HC Orders Takedown Of Pirated Links Within Three Hours Of Notice

The Bombay High Court has directed internet service providers and digital platforms to remove pirated Ramayana links within three hours of receiving a notice from the film's copyright holder.

Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, and Yash's Ramayana has received major relief from the Bombay High Court in its fight against online piracy. On Friday, November 6, the court directed internet service providers (ISPs) and digital platforms to take down pirated links and unauthorised content related to the film within three hours of receiving a notice from its copyright holder, Godpower Media Private Limited. The latest order comes a day after the Nitesh Tiwari directorial arrived in cinemas worldwide.

Bombay High Court Rules In Favour Of Ramayana

In Fight Against Piracy

The Bombay High Court passed the latest order on November 6 while hearing a copyright infringement suit filed by Godpower Media Private Limited, which holds the copyright to Ramayana. Vacation judge Justice Ashish S Chavan directed internet service providers and digital platforms to act on takedown requests issued by the copyright owner within a strict three-hour window.

The court further instructed the platforms and ISPs to share the contact details of their designated nodal officers to ensure that complaints are addressed without unnecessary delays. They have also been asked to confirm in writing that they will comply with the directions immediately and have the necessary systems and personnel in place to respond to such requests.

The latest intervention came after the film's copyright holder approached the court seeking urgent relief against the circulation of pirated material. Senior Advocate Ashish Kamat, representing Godpower Media, argued that even a delay of a few hours in processing takedown requests could allow unauthorised copies and clips to spread across the internet, making it difficult to contain their circulation.

During the hearing, the court acknowledged the concerns raised by the copyright holder and observed that infringing content had surfaced across multiple platforms following the film's theatrical release.

This is not the first time the makers have approached the court over piracy concerns. On November 2, the Bombay High Court had granted an interim dynamic injunction, restraining unidentified individuals and entities from recording, uploading, streaming or distributing the film without authorisation.

The earlier order also covered mirror websites and other platforms that could be used to circulate unauthorised copies.

Ramayana, which has been mounted as a two-part cinematic adaptation with a reported combined budget of Rs 4,000 crore, features Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Rama, Sai Pallavi as Sita, and Yash as Ravana. The first instalment was released in theatres on November 5.

While the makers are taking steps to protect the film against piracy, Ramayana has also registered an impressive opening at the worldwide box office. According to the official figures shared by the makers, the film collected Rs 155 crore gross globally on its first day in cinemas.