Asian News International (ANI) sued Netflix entities and producers of IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack, alleging that the series used ANI archival footage without permission and displayed its trademark. ANI sought removal of episodes containing the footage, but the reported September 10, 2024 hearing did not grant interim injunctive relief. The available reporting does not establish a final ruling or the suit’s later status.
What ANI alleged and what it sought
ANI brought the case in the Delhi High Court, alleging copyright and trademark infringement over archival footage used in the Netflix series. ANI’s claim was that the footage had been used without authorization and that the series also showed ANI’s trademark; these are allegations, not findings by the court. The Indian Express reported that ANI sought removal of episodes 4–6, in which it said the footage appeared. Other reports described ANI’s requested relief as removal of the affected episodes or an undertaking to remove the footage. Reuters and Mint covered the suit and allegations.
Why the parties disputed the footage rights
The central dispute was whether the production had permission to use the material, and whether the licensing chain covered this use.
ANI’s position
ANI’s counsel said the agency had licensed footage to Reuters for use outside India and disputed that this arrangement authorized its use in the series. That was ANI’s submission to the court; the reports do not resolve what rights were granted or whether they extended through subsequent licensing.
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The production’s position
Counsel for production company Matchbox Shots said the production obtained the footage through agreements with Conceptual Pictures Worldwide and Wilderness Films India, and argued that those firms had supplied the relevant rights. This was the production’s account, not a judicial determination that the agreements authorized the use.
The Indian Express also reported counsel Hiren Kamod’s statement that the production had spent Rs 114 crore and his argument that it would make little sense not to pay for footage. That amount was counsel’s claim, not an independently verified production-cost figure.
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What happened at the September 10 hearing
The Indian Express reported that the court did not grant ANI interim injunctive relief at the September 10, 2024 hearing. It directed the defendants to file replies and scheduled further consideration for September 13 and 16. This describes the reported initial hearing only: refusal of interim relief at that stage does not establish whether infringement occurred, and it is not a final decision on the suit.
At the hearing, ANI counsel Siddhant Marwah said he did not want the agency associated with a series he characterized as “anti-national” and “a PR job for ISI.” Those were counsel’s words, as reported by The Indian Express, not a court finding.
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How this case differs from other IC 814 controversies
IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack is a Netflix production that Reuters describes as a fictionalized version of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 from Kathmandu. The ANI case concerns alleged use of footage and a trademark. It should not be confused with separate criticism of the series’ depiction of the hijackers’ names.
Separately, Akashvani News reported on September 2, 2024 that India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry sought an explanation from Netflix’s content head in connection with a content controversy. That was a distinct development, not an event in ANI’s lawsuit.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about the case’s later status
The available reporting establishes the September 2024 filing and initial hearing, but does not establish a later order, final judgment, settlement, dismissal, or definitive finding of infringement. The reported hearing dates are not evidence of what happened at later proceedings. A current status requires checking the Delhi High Court record; without a reliable later record, the suit’s disposition should not be assumed.
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