MUMBAI: The Delhi High Court recently directed Mashal Sports, promoters of Pro Kabaddi League, to deposit Rs five lakh towards music royalties, acting on a petition filed by the Indian Singers’ Rights Association.
The ISRA, which represents performers' rights, had filed a suit for infringement of their right and the right to receive royalty before the Delhi High Court, for music played during Pro Kabaddi League matches in the ongoing fifth season without clearance.
ISRA CEO Sanjay Tandon told Sportzpower that while last year, the PKL ground event organisers DNA Networks had taken the requisite permissions from the ISRA, both DNA and Mashal Sports refused to recognise the singers' rights to royalty this year, despite repeated reminders by the association.
In its order passed last week, The court accepted submissions on behalf of ISRA and directed Mashal Sports to deposit the money as royalty with the registrar general of the Delhi High Court.
The Delhi HC has in two previous judgments, recognised the rights to royalty for singers. According to Tandon, other sporting events in the country, including the Indian Premier League, the Indian Super League and Premier Badminton League have regularly taken ISRA clearance before airing music at the events.
Mashal Sports' founder Charu Sharma remained unavailable for comment.
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