Olympics telecast: Maharaja restrained

Jayantha DE SILVA

Commercial High Court (WP) Judge Gamini Amerasekara yesterday issued an injunction restraining both TV and broadcasting channels operated by the Maharaja Organisation and Capital Maharaja entity from telecasting or broadcasting the forthcoming London Olympics.

The petitioner in this case is Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and says that it has telecast over 30 sports events. The plaintiffs cited Maharaja Organisation, Capital Maharaja, Yes FM, Sirasa FM, Shakthi FM, YFM, MTV Sports, MTV, Sirasa TV, MBC Network (Pvt) Ltd. as respondents.

The petitioner prayed for an interim injunction restraining the respondents or their agents from relaying to the public that they have the right to telecast/broadcast the forthcoming London Olympics or advertising connected with the Olympics.

The plaint interalia states that both telecasting and broadcasting rights have being granted to the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union (APBU) by way of an agreement. This include both satellite and cable relay, with the agreement effective till December 31. Attorney-at-Law Sanath Wijewardana appeared for the petitioner.