Copyright Office Invites Objections on AIPA’s Registration as Performers’ Society
The Copyright Office has issued a public notice inviting objections and comments on an application filed by the All India Performers Association seeking registration as a Performers’ Society under the Copyright Act, 1957.
If approved, AIPA would administer and protect performers’ rights for actors, singers, musicians and other artists, including licensing and royalty management on a global scale. The move comes amid growing focus on performers’ economic rights following the 2012 copyright amendments recognising royalty entitlements and moral rights of performers.
Stakeholders, industry bodies and rights holders have been granted 45 days from April 30, 2026 to submit objections or comments before the Registrar of Copyrights.
Delhi Court Awards Compensation to Singer Anamika Sood in Copyright Takedown Dispute
A Delhi court has awarded ₹5 lakh compensation to singer Anamika Sood in a copyright dispute against Saregama concerning the removal of her song Ferrareee from YouTube.
The Saket District Court held that Saregama failed to establish infringement of the song Reshmi Salwar Kurta Jali Da from Naya Daur. The Court found substantial differences in lyrics, rhythm and composition, observing that the disputed track was an independent creation inspired by Punjabi folk music in the public domain.
While rejecting Sood’s larger damages claim, the Court recognised that the wrongful takedown adversely affected her reach, monetisation and professional reputation.
Karnataka HC Says CBFC Certification Cannot Be Challenged Over Plagiarism Claims
The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a writ petition seeking cancellation of the CBFC certificate granted to Dhurandhar 2 over allegations of script plagiarism.
Justice K S Hemalekha held that disputes concerning copyright infringement and plagiarism involve disputed questions of fact requiring trial and cannot ordinarily be adjudicated under Article 226 of the Constitution.
The Court observed that the Central Board of Film Certification functions as a regulatory body examining issues of decency, morality and public order under the Cinematograph Act, 1952, and not private proprietary disputes relating to screenplay ownership.
The petitioner was granted liberty to pursue remedies under copyright law.
Delhi HC Issues John Doe Order Protecting Bhuvan Bam’s Personality Rights
The Delhi High Court has issued a John Doe order protecting Bhuvan Bam against unauthorised deepfakes and misuse of his personality rights.
Justice Jyoti Singh restrained unidentified entities from creating, publishing or commercially exploiting content using Bam’s likeness, trademarks or copyrighted material.
The Court also directed Google, Flipkart, Spotify and Meta to remove infringing content and merchandise.
While granting interim relief, the Court observed that continued misuse could cause irreparable harm to both the creator and the public.
Online Gaming Authority of India Begins Regulatory Operations
The Online Gaming Authority of India has formally commenced operations as the statutory regulator for India’s online gaming sector under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025.
The authority has launched a portal for mandatory registration of eSports entities, granting 10-year certificates aimed at protecting legitimate platforms from state-level gambling action. It will also oversee grievance redressal, certification, and compliance mechanisms.
The regulator is empowered to determine whether a game qualifies as a money game and coordinate with financial institutions and government agencies.
The Indian online gaming market generated ₹23,200 crore in 2024 and is projected to grow significantly by 2027.
Bombay HC Quashes FIR Against Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh
The Bombay High Court has quashed a 16-year-old FIR against Shekhar Suman and Bharti Singh over allegations of hurting religious sentiments during a comedy show segment.
Justice Amit Borkar held that the remarks lacked deliberate or malicious intent required under Section 295-A of the IPC. The Court observed that comedic performances must be viewed in context and cannot be judged like political or doctrinal speech.
It also noted procedural lapses, including absence of mandatory sanction and lack of direct observation by the complainant.
The ruling reinforces protections for artistic and comedic expression against unwarranted criminal prosecution.
Delhi HC Rejects Plagiarism and Defamation Claims in Davidar-Bose Dispute
The Delhi High Court has dismissed both plagiarism and defamation claims in a 15-year dispute between author David Davidar and writer Sivasundari Bose.
Justice Tejas Karia held that Bose failed to establish that Davidar’s novel The House of Blue Mangoes plagiarised her manuscript Golden Stag. The Court observed that similarities arising from a shared subject matter do not amount to copyright infringement.
The Court also rejected Davidar’s defamation claim, finding Bose’s communications were made in good faith to protect her rights.
The ruling brings an end to prolonged litigation spanning over a decade.