Indian news agency ANI has sued Netflix Inc and producers of an Indian series about a plane hijack, asking for four episodes to be taken down as they used ANI content without permission, ANI’s lawyer told Reuters yesterday.
The series, called ‘IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack’, a fictionalised version of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 from Kathmandu, has been embroiled in controversy since its release last month.
Social media users and members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party have criticised the show for what they said was an incorrect portrayal of the hijackers as Hindus with Hindu names when they were Muslims, a Reuters report from New Delhi stated yesterday.
Netflix added new disclaimers to the six-episode show last week after its officials were summoned by India’s information and broadcasting ministry. It also said the code names used in the series reflected those used during the actual event.
“They have used copyright archival footage of ANI without licence, they have also used the (ANI) trademark,” Sidhant Kumar, counsel for ANI, said.
“Since the series has come into such criticism, our trademark and brand name is being tarnished,” Kumar said, adding that ANI wants Netflix to take down four episodes where its content has been used.
The Delhi High Court had agreed to hear the case and sought the response of Netflix, he said.
There was no immediate response from Netflix for a request for comment from Reuters, which has a minority stake in ANI.
India blames Pakistan and Pakistan-based militant groups for the December 1999 hijack, which was resolved after New Delhi freed three Islamist militants, including Masood Azhar, the head of one such group.
On vulgar song, CBFC clarifies digital content not certified by it
Sanjay Dutt, Norah Fatehi song in the eye of obscenity storm
‘Punha Ekda…’ to stream on Ultra Jhakaas from Mar 19
Punjab unveils film promotion policy offering major subsidies
Prime Video doubles down on India with global ambitions, diverse content push
AIDCF moves TDSAT on WAVES OTT mulling onboarding linear TV channels
Content India 2026 concludes with 700+ global participants
MIB Secy Jaju reviews IICT expansion plans, other initiatives
MIB Secy Jaju calls for responsible & trusted ad ecosystem 

