In a significant judgment concerning copyright ownership of iconic Bollywood songs, the Bombay High Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the daughter of late filmmaker O.P. Ralhan against FMCG giant Adani Wilmar Ltd and others. The plaintiff, Rupali P. Shah, had challenged the continued commercial use of musical works from seven Hindi films produced between 1963 and 1983, alleging copyright infringement.
Background of the Case
Rupali Shah approached the court claiming ownership of music rights to the films Phool Aur Patthar, Talash, Hulchul, Bandhe Haath, Paapi, Spy in Rome, and Return of Mr. Superman. She alleged that the original rights assigned decades ago only included limited usage formats—such as gramophone records—and did not authorize distribution through digital platforms like streaming services or online videos.
The defendants, including Adani Wilmar and other music companies, argued that the rights had been validly and permanently assigned in earlier agreements. They contended that the assignment covered “any and every means whatsoever,” thereby including present and future technologies not known at the time of execution.
Court’s Verdict
Justice Manish Pitale of the Bombay High Court ruled in favor of the defendants, interpreting the assignment clauses broadly. The court held that even though the original agreements referred specifically to gramophone records and similar physical formats, the wording also clearly permitted exploitation through “any and every means whatsoever”—a phrase the court deemed expansive enough to include evolving formats like digital and online media.
The judge emphasized that the purpose of such contracts is to ensure commercial use of creative works across technological advancements unless explicitly restricted.
Legal Reasoning
Justice Pitale noted that contractual clauses must be interpreted in light of the parties’ intent and the technological foresight available at the time. The court stated that the assignment’s language was unambiguous and allowed for modern-day commercial use. Therefore, no infringement occurred, and the rights holders’ licenses remain valid in perpetuity.
Significance of the Ruling
This verdict reaffirms that older copyright agreements with broadly worded clauses can still be enforceable in the digital era. The decision provides legal clarity for companies using vintage content, as long as their rights are clearly defined in contracts. It also serves as a precedent for similar copyright infringement disputes involving legacy works and new-age media formats.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available court records and news published on LiveLaw.in. It has been rewritten for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All names, references, and legal interpretations are drawn from verified sources at the time of publication. For professional legal advice, please consult a qualified attorney.