Viacom 18 Media Private Limited v. Star India Private Limited

2025:BHC-OS:24079 74 ia 7442-25.doc

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

ORDINARY ORIGINAL CIVIL JURISDICTION IN ITS COMMERCIAL DIVISION INTERIM APPLICATION NO. 7442 OF 2025 IN COMMERCIAL IP SUIT NO. 489 OF 2025 Viacom18 Media Private Limited ... Applicant In the matter between:

Goldmines Telefilms Pvt.Ltd.

... Plaintiff

Versus

Viacom18 Media Private Limited & Ors.

... Respondent/Defendants.

----- Mr Anand Mohan, Adv. Madhu Gadadia, Unnati Gambani i/by Anand and Naik for Applicant.

Mr Aurup Dasgupta (through VC) a/w. Ms.Drshika Hemani and Ms Prapti Bhadra i/by M/s. Jhangiani, Narula and Associates for the Plaintiff. Mr Jayesh Mestry for the Defendant No.3.

Ms Tanvi Nandgaonkar i/by Bar and Brief for Defendant No.4 ----- Coram : Sharmila U. Deshmukh, J.

Date : December 08, 2025 P.C. :

1.

Interim Application has been preferred seeking condonation of delay in filing the written statement which has been filed within 116 days from the issuance of writ of summons. Learned counsel appearing fo the Applicant submits that the delay is occasioned due to transfer of business from Defendant No.1 to 2 and the internal restructuring of the Defendant No.1 and for collating the documents. He would submit that however the written statement has been filed sa_mandawgad 1 of

74 ia 7442-25.doc within the statutory limitation of 120 days from the date of service of summons.

2.

Mr. Dasgupta, learned counsel appearing for the Plaintiff would oppose the application and would submit that explanation tendered therein is unacceptable and there is no sufficient cause shown for condonation of delay.

3.

I have considered the submissions.

4.

The written statement in the present case has been filed before the expiry of the period of 120 days from the date of service of summons. The reasons which are stated therein are cogent and sufficient for condoning the delay. Hence, the delay stands condoned. Written statement to be taken on record. The Interim Application is allowed.

[Sharmila U. Deshmukh, J.] sa_mandawgad 2 of Signed by: Sanjay A. Mandawgad Designation: PA To Honourable Judge Date: 10/12/2025 11:11:47