A directive has been issued by the central govt. which says that, playing Bollywood songs at wedding ceremonies and other festivities will not at all result into any kind of a legal action or copyright infringement.

The directive has been issued as an answer to a numerous complaints regarding the collection of royalties by copyright societies. for the performances done on Hindi film songs at the wedding function.

The Department for Promotion, Industry, and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said in a public notice that, it has received several complaints and grievances from the general public and other stakeholders about the alleged collection of royalties by the Copyright Societies for the performance of musical works in marriage functions.

According to which act the reply was given to the Copyright societies?

The step of sending the reply of the complaint letters by the centre was taken under the Section 52 (1) (za) of the Copyright Act 1957, this section deals with certain acts that would not constitute an infringement of Copyright. According to it, “Special mentions in performances of literary, dramatic, or musical work or of a sound recording in the course of any bona fide religious ceremony or an official ceremony as not constituting infringement of copyright as Religious ceremonies include a marriage procession and other social festivities associated with marriage.”

What else is advised by the centre to the copyright societies

The centre has directed copyright societies 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”.

What has been said to the general public by the Centre

The Centre has also cautioned the general public to not to accede to any uncalled demands from any individual, organisation, or copyright society that are in violation of this section. The decision has been welcomed by the general public and other organizations which are related to the hospitality sector.