Top TV may not broadcast pornography channels without the permission of the Independent Communications Authority of SA (Icasa), the High Court in Johannesburg ruled on Monday.
The pay channel applied to Icasa in September for permission to flight three porn channels.
When it received no response after two months, it decided to go ahead without Icasa's decision.
Icasa then made an urgent application to the high court to halt the move until January 31, when it would give its decision.
Icasa attorney Michael Motsoeneng declined to comment on the interdict on Monday and referred questions to Icasa.
Top TV is owned by On Digital Media, (Sapa)