Delhi HC bans telecast of FIFA World Cup matches through cable

New Delhi, June 17 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today slammed a ban on cable operators against the telecast of FIFA World Cup matches in India, of which 'ESPN Star Sports' has exclusive telecast rights.

In its order, the HC held that any other channel showing FIFA World Cup matches would be held liable for prosecution.

The court's order came in response to a civil suit filed by 'ESPN Star Sports' against 92 cable operators, across the country, for unauthorised broadcast of the FIFA World Cup.

In its reaction following the order, 'ESPN Star Sports' spokesman said no channel whether pay, free-to-air or terrestrial was authorised to provide, show or distribute the 'FIFA World Cup Germany 2006' in the Indian territory.

''Any violation would be an illegal activity.'' The 92 cable operators restrained from authorised telecast were from Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, Tripura, Karnataka, Kerala, West Bengal, Bihar and Punjab, he added.

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