ANI Sues Netflix Over Unauthorised Use Of Content

Asian News International (ANI) has initiated legal action against Netflix Inc and the producers of the Indian series 'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack', demanding the removal of four episodes that allegedly utilised ANI content without proper authorisation. The series, a fictionalised account of the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814 from Kathmandu has faced significant backlash since its release last month.

The lawsuit, filed in the Delhi High Court claims that the series incorporated ANI's copyrighted archival footage and trademarked content without securing the necessary licenses.

ANI's legal representative, Sidhant Kumar criticised the series for tarnishing the organisation's brand and sought the immediate removal of the offending episodes, as per reports.

'IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack' dramatises the high-stakes hijacking incident in which Indian Airlines flight 814 was taken over by militants in December 1999. The crisis ended with India releasing three Islamist militants including Masood Azhar, in exchange for the safe return of the hostages. The series has been controversial, particularly regarding its portrayal of the hijackers.

Critics, including members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have condemned the show for inaccurately depicting the hijackers as Hindus with Hindu names when they were Muslims. The portrayal has led to widespread criticism on social media and among political circles.

In response to the criticism and legal action, Netflix updated the series with new disclaimers. They stated that the code names used in the series were intended to reflect those used during the actual event. The company has been summoned by India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry to address the concerns.

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear ANI’s case and has sought a response from Netflix.