Playing film songs at wedding won't violate Copyright: Centre

New Delhi: Bollywood music played at wedding ceremonies and other celebrations will not be subject to legal action for copyright violation, according to a decree from the central government.

Numerous concerns over the copyright organisations' collection of royalties for the use of Hindi film songs at wedding events prompted the issuance of this regulation, NDTV reported.

The Department for Promotion, Industry, and Internal Trade (DPIIT) stated in a public notice that it has received a number of complaints and grievances about the alleged collection of royalties by the Copyright Societies for the performance of musical works at wedding functions in violation of the letter and spirit of Section 52 (1) (za) of the Copyright Act 1957 from members of the general public and other stakeholders.

Certain actions that do not violate copyright are covered by Section 52 of the legislation.

The performance of a literary, dramatic, or musical work or a sound recording at any legitimate religious service or an official ceremony is particularly mentioned in Section 52 (1) (za) as not constituting a copyright violation.

It stated that religious rites include a wedding procession as well as other wedding-related social events.

In view of this, "Copyright Societies are directed to strictly refrain from entering into acts that are in contravention of Section 52 (1) (za) " of the act "in order to avoid any legal action," the DPIIT said.

Additionally, it issued a warning to the public not to give in to any unwarranted requests from any person, group, or copyright society that violate this clause.

The general people and the hospitality industry, who bore the brunt of the pressure from numerous copyright organisations, are pleased with the outcome.