A commercial court in Bengaluru has issued a temporary injunction preventing Way2News, backed by WestBridge Capital, from utilizing confidential information and intellectual property belonging to AppsForBharat. The order responds to allegations that a former employee transferred sensitive data to Way2News, prompting legal action from the spiritual tech platform operator Sri Mandir.
- Way2News barred from using confidential data linked to AppsForBharat
- Court issued ex parte injunction based on alleged data breach
- AppsForBharat seeks ₹1 crore damages and permanent restrictions
What happened
A Bengaluru commercial court granted an interim ex parte injunction on September 10, 2026, restraining Way2News and its associates from using confidential information and intellectual property belonging to AppsForBharat. The action was taken following a suit filed by AppsForBharat after their former employee Shivam Kumar Singh allegedly transferred sensitive data to Way2News without authorization.
The injunction prohibits Way2News from using any confidential material, including videos, marketing collateral, operational data, financial information, and details about suppliers and customers. Singh had resigned from AppsForBharat in early August 2026 and is accused of violating non-compete agreements by joining Way2News and sharing proprietary data.
Why it matters
This legal development exposes rising tensions between startups in India’s fast-growing spiritual tech and hyperlocal news markets. AppsForBharat’s Sri Mandir platform has garnered significant investor support, raising around $65 million to date, while Way2News has expanded into similar spiritual services through its Veda Mandir platform. The dispute underscores the competitive pressure and potential risks surrounding intellectual property in this niche.
Protecting proprietary data is critical as both companies rely on specialized content and market positioning. AppsForBharat’s allegations include not only unauthorized data use but also solicitation of employees and customers, presenting broader legal and operational risks for Way2News. The court’s interim order temporarily safeguards AppsForBharat’s interests pending further hearing.
What to watch next
Further legal proceedings will clarify whether Way2News committed violations of contract and data confidentiality, and if so, to what extent damages or permanent injunctions will be imposed. The court has not yet ruled on allegations regarding solicitation of employees and customers, which remain under consideration with notices issued to defendants.
Both companies’ responses and strategic adjustments in response to the dispute could impact their positioning in India’s spiritual and vernacular media ecosystems. Market observers will be keen to see if the case prompts stronger protections for proprietary content or catalyzes broader industry collaboration or regulatory scrutiny.