Court restrains APBU from broadcasting Olympics

Jayantha DE SILVA

Western Province Commercial High Court judge Gamini Amerasekera yesterday issued an enjoining order, valid till May 31, restraining the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (APBU) from broadcasting and exhibiting live or relaying the XXX Olympics Summer Games London UK on television or on radio, in Sri Lanka.

In this case, the plaintiff is Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), the defendants are Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Secretary General Dr Javad Mottaghi and APBU Sports Director John Barton.

The plaint states inter alia; the first defendant and the plaintiff entered into an agreement dated December 6, 2011 in Colombo signed by the second defendant for and on behalf of the first defendant and the SLRC chairman for and on behalf of the plaintiff. The first defendant thereby offered exclusive rights to broadcast the forthcoming Olympics.

The period of validity of the licence is from the date of the signing of the agreement till December 31. The licence fee was paid by the plaintiff.

After the plaintiff was granted exclusive rights to the Olympics , the plaintiff became aware that Carlton Sports Network (CSN) along with MTV / MBC showed interest in broadcasting the Olympics.

The third defendant suggested to form a pool with the parties concerned and share costs , whereas the total cost had already been paid.

MTV Channels (pvt) Ltd had falsely advertised that they acquired rights to broadcast the Olympics.

The conduct of the third defendant is unlawful.

Attorneys- at- law Sanath Wijewardana and Palitha Kumarasinghe appeared for the plaintiff.