App Developer from Delhi Demands Rs 94 Lakh from Reliance for Jio Hotstar Domain; Reliance Threatens Legal Action
New Delhi, 24th October 2024: An app developer from Delhi has made headlines after claiming to have purchased the domain “jiohotstar.com” and demanding £93,345 (approximately ₹94 lakh) from Reliance in exchange for it. The developer posted a letter on the website, stating that he will only transfer the domain to Reliance if they fund his education for an Executive MBA (EMBA) at Cambridge University.
The developer revealed that Reliance’s Assistant Vice President (Commercials), Ambujesh Yadav, had contacted him to discuss the domain, but he rejected the company’s proposal. Reliance has since threatened to take legal action over the domain name.
When Punekar News checked the URL, the letter addressed to Reliance Industries’ management was visible on the website. The developer, without disclosing his identity, explained his motivations behind acquiring the domain.
Developer’s Vision
“I am an app developer based in Delhi, working on my startup. In early 2023, I came across news that Disney+ Hotstar was losing users after losing the IPL streaming rights and was exploring a sale or merger with an Indian company,” the developer wrote. He speculated that Reliance-owned Viacom 18 might acquire Disney+ Hotstar, recalling how Jio rebranded the Saavn music streaming service to JioSaavn. This prompted him to buy the domain “jiohotstar.com” in anticipation of a potential merger.
He further expressed his aspiration to study entrepreneurship at Cambridge University, a dream he couldn’t afford without financial assistance. “If this merger happens, my dream of studying at Cambridge could be fulfilled,” he added.
Reliance Contacts Developer; Legal Threats Loom
The developer’s letter also mentioned an update where Reliance had contacted him, but his request for tuition fees was rejected. The developer noted that Reliance intends to take the legal route but remains hopeful that the company might reconsider his demand.
Acknowledging his limited ability to engage in a legal battle with a corporation like Reliance, the developer has sought legal help from the public.
Potential Viacom 18-Disney Merger
The domain acquisition by the developer comes at a time when Reliance’s Viacom 18 and Disney’s Star India are reportedly nearing a merger. Announced in February 2024, the merger could be completed by November this year. Once finalized, the new entity will become the largest media, entertainment, and sports company in India, with more than 100 channels, two OTT platforms, and a combined audience of over 750 million.
The joint venture’s estimated post-transaction value is ₹70,352 crore, with Reliance holding a majority stake of 63.16%, while Disney will retain a 36.84% stake. The merged company will manage more than 30,000 pieces of Disney content and consolidate popular channels like Colors, StarPlus, and sports channels like Star Sports and Sports18 under one umbrella.
The developer’s domain purchase reflects his belief that the brand “Jio Hotstar” may soon emerge as part of the larger media conglomerate, potentially bringing his vision closer to reality. However, with Reliance preparing to take legal action, the developer’s future remains uncertain.
Understanding Domain Names
In simple terms, a domain is the unique address of a website on the internet, consisting of a top-level domain (TLD) like .com or .org, and a second-level domain (SLD), which is the unique name of the site. Domains are registered and managed by domain registrars, and the Domain Name System (DNS) translates them into IP addresses, enabling users to access websites.
