ANI Sues Netflix Over Unauthorized Use of Content

Indian news agency ANI has filed a lawsuit against Netflix Inc. and the producers of IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack series, claiming that the show used ANI’s content without permission.

ANI’s lawyer, Sidhant Kumar, confirmed to Reuters that the agency is demanding the removal of four episodes from the series, which depict the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines flight 814.

Controversy Surrounding IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack:

The series, a dramatized account of the infamous 1999 hijacking of a plane from Kathmandu to Kandahar, has faced widespread backlash since its release last month.

Critics, including members of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), have accused the show of misrepresenting the hijackers as Hindus when they were, in fact, Muslims. This has led to heated debates on social media and calls for clarification.

Netflix Adds Disclaimers Amid Criticism:

Following the criticism, Netflix added disclaimers to the six-episode series, stating that the code names used in the show reflect those employed during the hijacking event.

Despite this, the controversy continues, with ANI now stepping in to demand the removal of specific episodes for the unauthorized use of its archival footage and trademark.

ANI Claims of Copyright Violation:

“They have used copyright archival footage of ANI without a license; they have also used the ANI trademark,” said Kumar, counsel for ANI. He further argued that due to the ongoing criticism of the series, ANI’s brand image is negatively impacted.

“Our trademark and brand name is being tarnished,” he added, explaining the agency’s request for Netflix to remove four episodes featuring its content.

The Delhi High Court has agreed to hear ANI’s case and has requested a response from Netflix. As of now, Netflix, which has a minority stake in ANI, has not immediately commented on the lawsuit.

The 1999 Kandahar Hijacking Incident:

The December 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight 814 remains one of the most significant terrorist events in Indian history.

India holds Pakistan and Pakistan-based militant groups responsible for the hijacking, which ended after New Delhi released three Islamist militants, including Masood Azhar, leader of one such group.

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