Jadoo TV Shutdown: Why the South Asian streaming platform closed after a $25M piracy judgment

Jadoo TV, once one of the most prominent providers of pirated South Asian content to global audiences, has permanently ceased operations worldwide. Its downfall follows a December 2024 court ruling that issued a final judgment of $24,969,911 and a permanent injunction against both Jadoo TV and its US-based CEO, Sajid Sohail.

In addition to the court-ordered judgment, Jadoo TV and Mr Sohail have paid a $1,500,000 settlement, meeting a 20th February deadline under a separate agreement. As part of the resolution, they have also transferred all Jadoo TV customer lists, trademarks, and domain names, effectively ending the company’s ability to operate in any capacity.

The Enforcement Effort Behind the Case
The case was coordinated by the International Broadcaster Coalition Against Piracy (IBCAP) and initiated by IBCAP member DISH Network L.L.C. after repeated copyright infringement notices were ignored. DISH, which holds US distribution rights for many affected South Asian channels, had a direct interest in stopping Jadoo TV’s unauthorized distribution.

The lawsuit identified a wide range of South Asian networks distributed illegally through Jadoo TV’s platform. These channels, referred to as “Protected Channels”, included Aaj Tak, ARY Digital, ARY News, ATN Bangla, ATN News, B4U Music, Channel-i, Dunya TV, Express Entertainment, Express News, Geo News, Geo TV, Hum Masala, Hum Sitaray, Hum TV, Hum World, India Today (Headlines Today), NTV Bangla, and Times Now. All were licensed to legitimate distributors and were being streamed through Jadoo TV without authorisation.

Jadoo TV’s Rise in the Streaming Era
Before its legal troubles intensified, Jadoo TV was a significant player in the growing world of digital streaming. As consumers sought accessible South Asian content, the platform emerged as an appealing—though unauthorised—solution. Its sleek device design and intuitive interface made it easy for viewers to navigate live TV channels and on‑demand videos, and its ability to bring together a wide variety of regional programming quickly made it a household name.

A curated library featuring both mainstream productions and lesser‑known regional gems helped Jadoo TV build a dedicated user community. Exclusive premieres, original content, and a strong focus on South Asian media positioned the company as a pioneer in niche streaming long before many global competitors expanded into this space.

Technical Hurdles and Growing Competition
Despite its popularity, Jadoo TV faced persistent issues. Users frequently complained about constant buffering, technical glitches, slow customer service, and device compatibility problems. These recurring frustrations gradually eroded consumer confidence.

Meanwhile, major industry players such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Hotstar continuously expanded their offerings with fully licensed content and superior streaming technology. As expectations rose and competition intensified, Jadoo TV struggled to match the stability and value provided by these global platforms.

A Turning Point and Swift Decline
As viewers shifted toward more reliable and legally compliant services, Jadoo TV’s subscriber base began to decline. Innovation slowed, updates became inconsistent, and the company struggled to maintain its relevance in an industry defined by rapid evolution. The mounting legal challenges further weakened its position, ultimately leading to the decisive court ruling in December 2024.

With the subsequent settlement, asset transfers, and the permanent shutdown of operations, Jadoo TV’s journey came to an abrupt end. What began as a groundbreaking streaming alternative for South Asian audiences ultimately collapsed under the weight of legal pressure, technical shortcomings, and competitive disadvantage.