Delhi High Court Imposes Additional Rs 5 Lakh Penalty on Rakshit Shetty's Studio Over Unauthorized Song Use
In a significant ruling on copyright infringement, the Delhi High Court has directed Paramvah Studios and its founder, acclaimed Kannada actor-director Rakshit Shetty, to pay an additional Rs 5 lakh as penal costs. This penalty is specifically for the unauthorized use of two songs in the film Bachelor Party, marking a stern stance against intellectual property violations in the entertainment industry.
Background of the Case and Previous Penalty
This latest order comes on top of a Rs 20 lakh cost that was imposed on August 12, 2024, which the studio has already deposited. The case revolves around the alleged infringement of copyrights held by MRT Music, which claims ownership of the songs in question under a 2020 assignment deed. The plaintiff asserted that the songs were used without a proper licence, with one featured in a television scene and the other sung in a classroom setting within the film.
Court's Detailed Observations on Song Usage
In an order dated March 28, 2026, Justice Tejas Karia meticulously examined the extent of the unauthorized usage. The court noted that the song Omme Ninnanu was used for 31 seconds, while Nyaya Ellide featured for 7 seconds in the film. Justice Karia emphasized that the use was not minimal, as argued by the defendants, and highlighted that even a single frame from a copyrighted audio-visual work cannot be utilized without the owner's explicit permission, citing provisions of the Copyright Act.
The court firmly rejected the defense's claim that the usage was minimal and did not require permission. Justice Karia observed that Nyaya Ellide, which translates to "Where Is Justice," was deliberately employed to underscore the protagonist's plight, making it a conscious creative choice to advance the plot. This reasoning underscored the court's view that the infringement was intentional and significant, rather than incidental.
Implications for the Film Industry and Copyright Law
The ruling sends a clear message to filmmakers and production houses about the strict enforcement of copyright laws. By imposing additional penal costs, the Delhi High Court aims to deter future unauthorized uses of copyrighted material, protecting the rights of creators and owners. The film Bachelor Party, released in January 2024 and later available on OTT platforms, now faces heightened scrutiny over its compliance with intellectual property regulations.
This case highlights the importance of obtaining proper licences for any copyrighted content, regardless of the duration of use. It serves as a cautionary tale for the entertainment sector, where creative works often intersect with legal boundaries, and underscores the judiciary's role in upholding copyright integrity.
