Bombay High Court Orders Radio Broadcasters to pay Royalties before using Copyrighted Music

The Bombay High Court ruled that private FM Radio broadcasters must pay royalties for broadcasting music, following a lawsuit filed by the Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS). This grant makes sure that IPRS will be allowed to collect royalties for music composers and lyricists.

The Chairperson of IPRS, Javed Akhtar said, “I am delighted that the honourable Bombay High Court has seen fit to uphold and protect the rights of authors and composers whose creations have enthralled and inspired Indians and the world for decades. This is long due especially since Indian music has reverberated across the world including Natu Natu composed by M M Keeravaani and authored by Kanukuntla Subhash Chandrabose.  All the authors and composer members of IPRS thank the Hon’ble Bombay High Court for this landmark judgement and its well-reasoned analysis recognising the change in the law since 2012. This forward-looking and exemplary judgement places the creator back at the heart of copyright creation which will serve as a great incentive for artistes, the music industry and for the creation of copyright in India.”

Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, said, “This is a landmark judgement. IPRS thanks the Hon’ble Court for protecting the rights of authors and composers who are its member. IPRS calls upon all users who exploit music without an IPRS license to come forward in the spirit of legal compliance and to support creators in India. On its part, IPRS will continue to espouse the cause of authors and composers by building long-lasting partnerships with our licensees."