Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah is the crown jewel of Neela Film Productions and at the forefront of Indian television for 16 years with over 4,000 episodes bringing joy to millions
New Delhi, August 17, 2024: In a landmark ruling, the
Delhi High Court has issued a John Doe order to safeguard the intellectual
property rights of the iconic and most popular Indian sitcom, Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah. Neela
Film Productions Private Limited, the show's producer, successfully argued that
the title, format, characters, characterisations, mannerisms, dialogues, and
other unique elements of the show are protected under intellectual property
law.
The Court's
decision comes after Neela Film Productions brought to light the widespread
infringement of their rights on various online platforms. The plaintiff
identified numerous social media accounts, websites, and YouTube channels that
have been illegally using the show's characters, producing animations,
AI-generated images, deepfakes, and even pornographic content featuring the
beloved characters. Additionally, certain platforms were found to be selling
unauthorised merchandise under the guise of the show.
In granting
the ex parte ad interim injunction, Justice Mini Pushkarna recognised the
gravity of the situation, stating that Neela Film Productions had established a
prima facie case for the injunction.
The Court's order not only restrains known infringers but also extends to John
Doe (unknown) defendants who are involved in the illegal activities mentioned.
Mr. Asit Kumar Modi, the well known
producer of Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah
Chashmah, expressed his relief at the Court's decision, stating, "This
show has been a labor of love for everyone involved, and it's disheartening to
see our hard work being exploited in such a manner. We are grateful to the
Delhi High Court for recognising the importance of protecting our intellectual
property. This order sends a strong message that such infringements will not be
tolerated. As the creator of this show, I have always believed in the power of
storytelling and the impact it can have on people's lives. This order not only
protects our creative efforts but also boosts the morale of everyone involved
in the making of the show. It reassures us that our creativity will be
respected and safeguarded, allowing us to continue bringing joy to our audience
without fear of exploitation.”
Mr. Modi further added that, “We've put in significant
effort to expand the TMKOC IP into animation, gaming, and merchandise. This
Delhi High Court ruling safeguards our rights, bolstering our confidence to
push our creative boundaries even further.”
Anand &
Naik Law Firm represented Neela Film Productions in this matter. Advocate Madhu Gadodia, Managing Partner, Anand
& Naik Law Firm commented, "This order is a significant victory
for content creators. The Court has upheld the sanctity of intellectual property
rights, and this serves as a precedent for future cases of digital
infringement.”
Advocate Ameet Naik, Managing Partner, Anand & Naik Law
Firm stated, “This
order is first of its kind for protection against infringement of characters in
content be it television shows, web series or films.”
The Delhi High
Court's ruling marks a crucial step in the ongoing battle against digital
piracy and the unauthorised use of intellectual property in India.
About Neela Film Productions
Neela Film
Productions is led by the visionary Mr.
Asit Kumarr Modi who is the creative force behind a wide array of fiction
and non-fiction shows for leading broadcasters, including Sony SET, Sony SAB,
Colors, and Star Plus. Tarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chasmah remains the crown jewel of
their productions, celebrated for its unique characters, dialogues, and
cultural impact. The The iconic show has been at the forefront of Indian
television for 16 years, with over 4,000 episodes to its credit. Mr. Modi has
poured heart and soul into the creation of these characters and stories
ensuring that their creative endeavours have brought joy to millions.
Under Mr.
Modi's leadership, Neela Film Productions has also ventured into new-age
digital businesses through its subsidiary, Neela Mediatech, which focuses on
Web3 gaming, animation, and merchandise, further expanding the legacy of
creativity and innovation.