Calcutta HC Upholds IPRS Rights, Orders Rs 30 Crore Royalty Release In Vodafone Idea Case

In a major ruling for India’s music and copyright ecosystem, the Calcutta High Court has delivered a significant victory to The Indian Performing Right Society Limited (IPRS) in its long-running copyright dispute with Vodafone Idea Limited, reinforcing the royalty and licensing rights of lyricists, composers, and music creators.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Debangsu Basak and Justice Md Shabbar Rashidi dismissed Vodafone Idea’s appeals on May 8, 2026, while affirming the earlier findings of the Single Judge.

The court held that a separate licence from IPRS is mandatory whenever underlying literary and musical works are commercially communicated to the public, even if those works are embedded within sound recordings.

The ruling clarifies that the exception applies only in the case of cinematograph films exhibited in cinema halls.

Court Reaffirms Rights Of Authors And Composers

The High Court observed that the 2012 amendments to India’s Copyright Act fundamentally altered the rights framework governing literary and musical works. The bench recognised that authors, lyricists, and composers retain independent rights over their creations and are entitled to receive royalties through IPRS.

Importantly, the court stated that any agreement or licence attempting to override these statutory protections would be void under law.

The judgment further emphasised that music labels and sound recording owners cannot issue licences that conflict with rights administered by IPRS on behalf of creators.

The development is being viewed as one of the most important copyright rulings in recent years for India’s music industry, particularly in the context of telecom operators, streaming platforms, broadcasters, and commercial music users.

Rs 30 Crore Deposit To Be Released To IPRS

As part of the order, the court directed that deposits made by Vodafone Idea before the court, amounting to nearly ?30 crore, be released to IPRS, subject to the final outcome of the suit.

The ruling strengthens IPRS’ long-standing position that commercial users of music must obtain proper licensing for underlying musical and literary works separately from sound recording rights.

Industry Voices Welcome The Decision

Reacting to the judgment, IPRS Chairman and veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar described the ruling as a landmark moment for Indian creators.“We are delighted with this decision and thank the Hon’ble 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,” he said.

Lyricist, screenwriter, filmmaker, and key board member of IPRS, Mayur Puri, also welcomed the decision and highlighted its significance for the creative community.“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,” Puri said.

Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, said the judgment reinforces the enforceability of creators’ rights beyond legislative text.“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,” Nigam said.

He further added that while IPRS prioritises awareness and compliance, legal action becomes necessary when commercial users refuse to obtain valid licences.

A Defining Moment For India’s Music Licensing Ecosystem

The judgment is expected to have far-reaching implications for India’s media, telecom, streaming, and entertainment industries, where music licensing structures have often been contested.

Legal and industry observers say the ruling strengthens the negotiating power of authors, composers, and copyright societies in an increasingly digital music economy driven by streaming, telecom integrations, short-video platforms, and commercial music consumption.

The decision also reinforces the growing importance of copyright compliance and royalty transparency as India’s creator economy expands rapidly across digital platforms.