The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) has secured a significant legal win in its long-running copyright dispute with Vodafone Idea Limited before the Calcutta High Court.
A Division Bench comprising Hon’ble Mr Justice Debangsu Basak and Mr Justice Md Shabbar Rashidi dismissed Vodafone Idea’s appeals on May 8, 2026, reaffirming an earlier ruling by a Single Judge. The court held that a separate licence from IPRS is required whenever underlying literary and musical works are commercially communicated to the public, even when they form part of a sound recording. The exception applies to the exhibition of cinematograph films in cinema halls.
The ruling further reinforces the impact of the 2012 amendments to India’s Copyright Act, recognising the royalty rights of lyricists, composers and authors through copyright societies such as IPRS. The court observed that licences issued by sound recording owners or music labels cannot override rights administered by IPRS.
The court also directed the release of deposits made by Vodafone Idea before the court, amounting to approximately ₹30 crore, to IPRS, subject to the outcome of the suit.
Javed Akhtar, Chairman of IPRS, welcomed the ruling, stating: “We are delighted with this decision and thank the Hon’ble Court for this stellar Judgement. It is a landmark moment where the rights of creators in India have been fully recognised. The court has sent a clear message that the work of authors and composers is valuable and must be fairly compensated.”
Mayur Puri said: “This judgment is long overdue. It finally signals that India respects its creators and their rights to be recognised and rewarded. We have waited a long time for this acknowledgement.”
Rakesh Nigam added: “This decision ensures that creators’ rights are not just words on paper but are enforceable. We welcome the court’s order and will continue to ensure that all our members are properly compensated for their creative contributions. IPRS believes in educating, informing, and reminding users to be compliant. However, in instances where music users are adamant about not obtaining a valid license, IPRS takes and will take the legal route, which is the last resort when all other avenues to encourage compliance have been exhausted.”
