Delhi High Court to Decide Ownership of Digi Yatra Digital Airport Entry System

The Delhi High Court is presiding over a significant legal battle concerning the ownership of the Digi Yatra Central Ecosystem, the digital platform used for biometric-based airport entry and processing across India. The dispute is between the Digi Yatra Foundation (DYF), a not-for-profit entity established under the Ministry of Civil Aviation's policy, and Data Evolve Solutions Pvt Ltd, a software developer. The court is examining whether DYF rightfully owns the Digi Yatra Central Ecosystem based on a 2021 Minimum Viable Product Agreement, and if it also holds intellectual property rights over the software developed by Data Evolve. Key questions include whether Data Evolve infringed on DYF's rights or misused Data Evolve's intellectual property.

DYF initiated disengagement with Data Evolve after allegations of financial irregularities against Data Evolve's promoter. DYF claims the agreement vests all intellectual property developed during the project with them. However, Data Evolve contends that DYF withheld payments and that it owns the intellectual property rights for the software architecture. In March 2024, the Delhi High Court issued an ad-interim ex parte injunction to protect passenger data and ensure the continuity of Digi Yatra services, recognizing it as critical infrastructure. The court also ordered Data Evolve to facilitate a complete handover of the platform, including server access and app controls.

The trial will ultimately determine the legal ownership of the Digi Yatra platform and its software.

Impact This legal dispute could impact investor confidence in large-scale digital public infrastructure projects and highlight the complexities of intellectual property management in technology development partnerships. It also emphasizes the critical nature of data security and service continuity for essential services. Rating: 6/10.

Difficult Terms Digi Yatra: A digital platform enabling biometric-based entry and processing at airports. Digital Ecosystem: A network of interconnected digital platforms, applications, and services. Biometric-based: Using unique biological traits (like fingerprints or facial scans) for identification. Commercial Dispute: A disagreement between businesses regarding contracts, payments, or services. Intellectual Property (IP): Creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, designs, and symbols, protected by law. Minimum Viable Product Agreement (MVPA): A contract outlining the development of a product with essential features to test market viability and gather feedback. Letter of Intent (LOI): A preliminary document expressing a party's intention to enter into a contract, often before formal agreements are signed. Promoter: An individual or entity that initiates, organizes, and funds a business venture. Not-for-profit company: An organization that reinvests its earnings into its mission instead of distributing profits to owners or shareholders. Startup Challenge: A competition designed to foster innovation by identifying and supporting new companies. Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Legal rights granted to creators over their creations, giving them exclusive control for a certain period. Software Architecture: The underlying structure of a software system, defining its components and their relationships. Ex parte injunction: A court order granted without the opposing party being present or heard, typically used in emergencies. Ad-interim injunction: A temporary court order issued until a full hearing can take place, often to maintain the status quo. Public Interest: The welfare and well-being of the general public. Aviation Stakeholders: Parties with an interest in the aviation industry, such as airlines, airports, passengers, and regulators. GUI source code: The programming code that defines how a graphical user interface (the visual part of software) works. Blockchain source code: The programming code for a blockchain system, a decentralized digital ledger. AWS credentials: Login details for accessing Amazon Web Services cloud platform. Videograph proceedings: To record legal or official proceedings using video cameras.