Reliance-Disney’s JioStar challenges Zee over Bollywood film broadcasts

Reliance-Disney venture JioStar has initiated legal mediation against Zee Entertainment, alleging the Indian TV rival unlawfully broadcast Bollywood films whose rights belonged to JioStar, according to documents reviewed by Reuters. JioStar filed the case on May 04, 2026, with the Delhi High Court Legal Services Committee after more than a dozen legal notices since February 2025. The committee has asked Zee to appear on May 25, 2026. If mediation fails, JioStar could take the dispute to court. JioStar alleges Zee aired 12 films about 20 times, including Deewaar, Tridev and Dangal. Sources said JioStar may seek more than 250 million rupees, or $2.61 million, though damages have not been finalized. Zee denied wrongdoing in some cases and said other broadcasts were inadvertent. The dispute adds to existing legal tensions, including a $1 billion London arbitration over a failed 2024 cricket licensing deal and Zee’s April claim seeking $3 million from JioStar over alleged music copyright use.