Prevent websites from uploading pirated version of 'Nerkonda Paarvai': Madras HC to ISPs

The Madras High Court on Tuesday directed 37 internet service providers (ISP) in the country to prohibit 1,129 websites from uploading pirated or unauthorised versions of Tamil movie, 'Nerkonda Paarvai', starring Ajith Kumar.

The film is a remake of 2016 Amitabh Bachchan-starrer courtroom drama, 'Pink', and is scheduled to release on August 8.

Justice Krishnan Ramasamy passed the order on a plea moved by Bayview Projects LLP, represented by Boney Kapoor, the film's producer.

The petitioner wanted the court to restrain the ISPs from permitting such websites from uploading or displaying the pirated versions of the movie.

The petitioner's counsel said the movie's official trailer was released on YouTube on June 12 and had already garnered 14 million views. The producer has acquired all exploitation, distribution and other rights, including TV and internet.

These rights are exclusive under the provisions of the Copyright Act, he said.

The petitioner submitted that various cable and internet services provided by ISPs across the world are involved in recording, camcording and reproducing audio songs, audio-visual clips and cinematographic films that are screened in theatres and then copying or reproducing them through various mediums.

They are then distributed by selling them at a meagre sum to the general public without any leave or authorisation from the production houses or copyright holders, he said.

Such activities result in heavy losses and damage to production houses, he added.

Besides Ajith Kumar, 'Nerkonda Paarvai' also stars actors Vidya Balan and Shraddha Srinath in key roles.