New Delhi: Asian News International (ANI), a prominent news agency, has filed a lawsuit against Netflix and the producers of the series “IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack” for using its copyrighted footage without permission. ANI is demanding the removal of four episodes from the show, claiming trademark infringement and damage to its brand reputation.
The controversy surrounding the series intensified when it came to light that the makers had used Hindu names for the hijackers, despite these being factual. This decision drew criticism from Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, who argued that the names were misleading and could potentially fuel religious tensions.
ANI’s counsel, Sidhant Kumar, told Reuters that Netflix had used the agency’s archival footage without a license and had also infringed on its trademark. He emphasized that the negative publicity surrounding the series had damaged ANI’s brand name.
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The Delhi High Court is set to hear the case and has sought a response from Netflix. The streaming platform has already added disclaimers to the show, clarifying that the code names used for the hijackers were based on real events.
One of the passengers who was on the hijacked flight in 1999, Pooja Kataria, confirmed that the names used in the series were accurate. She expressed confusion over the controversy, stating that the show was based on a true story and that the names were factual.
As the legal battle unfolds, the controversy surrounding “IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack” continues to spark debate and raise questions about the portrayal of historical events in popular culture.
