IPRS has secured a major win in its copyright dispute with Vodafone Idea after the Calcutta High Court upheld the rights of authors, lyricists and composers over underlying musical and literary works.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Md Shabbar Rashidi dismissed Vodafone Idea’s appeals on May 8, 2026, while reaffirming the earlier ruling of the Single Judge. The court held that a separate licence from IPRS is required whenever musical and literary works are commercially communicated to the public, even if those works form part of sound recordings. The exception applies only to the exhibition of cinematograph films in cinema halls.
The court observed that the 2012 amendments to India’s copyright law significantly strengthened the rights of creators of literary and musical works. It reiterated that lyricists, composers and authors are entitled to receive royalties through IPRS, and any agreement or licence that overrides these statutory protections would not be legally valid.
The judgment further clarified that owners of sound recordings and music labels cannot issue licences that conflict with rights administered by IPRS. The High Court also directed that deposits made by Vodafone Idea before the court, estimated at nearly Rs 30 crore, be released to IPRS, subject to the final outcome of the suit.
Javed Akhtar, Chairman of IPRS, welcomed the ruling, stating: “We are delighted with this decision and thank the 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, lyricist, screenwriter & director, board member of IPRS, a renowned artiste, said, “This judgment was long overdue. It finally signals that India respects its creators and their rights to be recognised and rewarded. Hopefully, this will pave the way for a better livelihood and render the due dignity to the ever fragile artist community.”
Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, noted, “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.”
