News agency ANI has filed a lawsuit against Netflix Inc and the producers of the Indian web series “IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack,” alleging that the series used ANI’s copyrighted archival footage without permission. ANI’s legal counsel, Sidhant Kumar, stated that the agency’s trademark and content were used without a license, and requested that Netflix remove four episodes featuring the unauthorized content.
The series, which dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight IC-814, has faced criticism for its portrayal of the hijackers. Social media users and members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party have criticized the show for inaccurately depicting the hijackers as Hindus, when they were, in fact, Muslims.
Following the controversy, Netflix added disclaimers to the series and addressed concerns raised by the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Despite these actions, ANI’s lawsuit alleges that the show’s use of its content has damaged its brand and trademark.
The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear the case and has requested a response from Netflix. As of now, Netflix has not provided a comment on the matter.
The 1999 hijacking incident remains a sensitive topic, with India blaming Pakistan and Pakistan-based terrorist groups for the attack. The crisis was resolved after India released three terrorists, including Masood Azhar, the head of one such group.
The outcome of the lawsuit could have significant implications for how media content is used and licensed in future productions.
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