The media landscape in India is witnessing an escalating legal confrontation between two of its biggest players, JioStar and Zee Entertainment Enterprises. An exclusive Reuters report reveals that JioStar has initiated legal action against Zee over the alleged unauthorised broadcasting of several Bollywood films, for which JioStar reportedly holds the rights.
JioStar Files Plea in Delhi High Court
JioStar, the Reliance-Disney backed entity, filed a plea on May 4 before the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee. This body is designed for mediation and dispute resolution, aiming to facilitate amicable settlements. The matter is now slated for hearing on May 25, with Zee Entertainment directed to appear before the committee. Failure to participate could be interpreted as a refusal to engage in the mediation process.
Allegations of 'Habitual Infringement'
In its extensive 120-page plea, JioStar has accused Zee of broadcasting 12 distinct Bollywood films approximately 20 times without due authorisation. These films allegedly include titles featuring prominent superstars such as Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. JioStar has reportedly labeled Zee a “habitual infringer,” asserting that the broadcaster persistently engaged in the “unauthorised broadcast and exploitation of the films.”
Significant Damages Sought
The dispute over these film rights reportedly dates back to a series of legal notices and letters exchanged between the two companies since February 2025. Sources close to the matter suggest that JioStar may seek damages exceeding Rs 250 million, which translates to roughly $2.61 million. However, the final compensation amount remains unconfirmed.
Among the classic films reportedly mentioned in the plea are:
• The 1975 classic Deewaar starring Amitabh Bachchan
• Tridev
JioStar maintains ownership of the rights to these films and alleges that Zee aired them without explicit permission.
Zee's Defense and Broader Legal Landscape
Zee Entertainment has reportedly responded by stating that the broadcasts were “inadvertent and unintentional.” While denying liability for the damages sought, the company has also assured that it will exercise greater caution moving forward.
This latest development unfolds amidst an existing backdrop of multiple legal clashes between the two entertainment behemoths:
• London Arbitration Battle: Both companies are currently embroiled in a separate $1 billion arbitration dispute in London, stemming from the collapse of a cricket licensing agreement in 2024.
• Music Copyright Infringement: In April 2026, Zee Entertainment reportedly filed a lawsuit against JioStar, seeking $3 million in damages. Zee alleges that JioStar unlawfully used its copyrighted music content at least 50 times after licensing agreements had expired.
JioStar, formed after the $8.5 billion merger of Reliance Industries and Disney’s Indian media assets in 2024, stands as the largest player in India's estimated $30 billion media and entertainment market. Reliance states JioStar commands a 34.2 percent share of the Indian television market, while Zee claims its market share has reached a four-year high of 18 percent. Neither JioStar nor Zee Entertainment has officially commented on the ongoing film rights dispute.
