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Delhi HC seeks Centre's stand on plea to broadcast FIFA World Cup 2026
The Delhi High Court on May 12, 2026 asked the Centre and Prasar Bharati to respond to a petition seeking broadcasting rights for the FIFA World Cup 2026. It issued notice and listed a hearing for May 20, while the petitioner argued for public access to the event's telecast and claimed a constitutional right to information.
Why It Matters
The case touches on access to information and public interest in broadcasting a globally streamed sporting event, amid questions about who should carry rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 in India.
Timeline
4 Events
World Cup 2026 schedule and locations mentioned
May 12, 2026
The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be held from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Petition details: rights, broadcasters, and claims of deprivation
May 12, 2026
The petition asserts that FIFA World Cup 2026 has no broadcaster in India this year, depriving the petitioner of his fundamental right to receive information and to access the telecast. It notes the World Cup is held every four years and has historically had a commercial broadcaster in India since 1998.
Hearing: PIL status discussed; access to telecast argued
May 12, 2026
During the hearing, the court asked why the plea should not be treated as a public interest litigation. The petitioner’s senior counsel argued that a citizen has the right to access such telecast, with the court potentially providing a guiding nudge.
Notice issued; next hearing scheduled
May 12, 2026
The Delhi High Court issued notice to the Centre and Prasar Bharati in the petition seeking broadcasting rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 and listed the next hearing for May 20, 2026.