Is It Legal to Watch Pirated Content Online in India?

Watching or downloading pirated content is illegal under the Copyright Act, 1957.

Sections 51 and 63 make unauthorised reproduction, distribution, or public exhibition of copyrighted material a punishable offence (up to 3 years’ imprisonment or fines).

While enforcement often targets uploaders or distributors, even viewers may be liable under the concept of contributory infringement. Streaming pirated content also violates the IT Act provisions.