Zee alleges continued use of its copyrighted music despite Delhi High Court injunction; JioStar asked to respond
New Delhi, Sept 2026 : 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 order restraining such use, according to a legal filing.
In its September 21 filing, Zee alleged that JioStar had committed “wilful disobedience” by continuing to use its copyrighted works in programmes broadcast on its platforms despite the court’s injunction.
The dispute was taken up by the Delhi High Court on Friday. According to a person familiar with the proceedings, the court sought JioStar’s response to Zee’s latest allegations and listed the matter for further hearing in December.
JioStar, which was formed following the $8.5-billion merger of Reliance and Disney’s Indian media assets in 2024, has not publicly commented on the latest allegations. Zee also did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The copyright dispute dates back to April, when Zee sought $3 million in damages from JioStar, alleging around 50 instances of copyright infringement involving works owned by its music division.
In May, the Delhi High Court directed JioStar not to “use, publish, broadcast, stream, upload” any of Zee’s licensed works. The order followed Zee’s allegations concerning the continued use of its copyrighted content after the expiry of licensing arrangements.
JioStar’s lawyers had previously told the court that the alleged infringements were “unintentional” and “purely residual in nature”. The company had also informed the court in May that it had removed a substantial amount of Zee’s content following the expiration of the relevant licensing agreements.
In its latest filing, Zee has cited six instances between May and July that it says demonstrate continued use of its copyrighted works by JioStar. Zee alleged that the company was “illegally and actively exploiting” its copyrighted material and sought action over the alleged violation of the court’s order.
The proceedings come amid increasing competition for premium content and intellectual property rights in India’s television and streaming industries. The sector has undergone significant consolidation in recent years, with major media companies competing for audiences, programming and digital rights.
JioStar, backed by Reliance Industries Chairman Mukesh Ambani, is a major player in India’s media and entertainment industry following the Reliance-Disney merger. Zee remains one of the country’s established broadcasters and a significant competitor in the television and digital content market.
The two companies have also been involved in other copyright-related legal disputes. JioStar has previously initiated proceedings against Zee, alleging unauthorised broadcasting of Bollywood films over which the Reliance-Disney venture held rights.
The latest contempt proceedings therefore add another legal dimension to the continuing copyright dispute between the two media companies.
(Disclaimer :The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)
