Cinema VinesPhonographic Performance Limited (PPL) India has taken decisive legal action against the unauthorized use of copyrighted music in commercial venues. The organization approached the Bombay High Court to seek relief against Ballr, a luxury nightclub in Pune that is co‑owned by actor Sanjay Dutt and entrepreneur Heramb Shelke. PPL alleged that Ballr had been playing songs from its repertoire without holding a valid licence.
On August 7, the Bombay High Court granted interim relief to PPL and issued an order restraining the nightclub owners from publicly performing or using any sound recordings from PPL’s catalogue unless they first obtain a non‑exclusive public performance licence. The court’s decision came after a PPL representative visited Ballr on June 24 and reported that several popular tracks were being played without permission. The songs listed included “Badtameez Dil,” “Mauja Hi Mauja,” “Dard‑e‑Disco,” “O Saki Saki,” “Dus Bahane,” Justin Bieber’s “What Do You Mean,” and Dua Lipa’s “Levitating.”
According to PPL, the copyrights to all these recordings are held by the organization. During the hearing, the court learned that Ballr had previously secured a licence from PPL for music use, but that licence had expired and was not renewed. Consequently, the court held that the nightclub could not continue to use PPL’s recordings without re‑obtaining the required licence.
PPL’s advocate, Hiten Wasan, stated that venues using copyrighted music for public entertainment must obtain the appropriate permissions. He added that the organisation would keep identifying instances of unauthorized music use and would pursue legal action where necessary. Wasan emphasized that the interim injunction from the Bombay High Court sends a clear message: continued unauthorized use of copyrighted music can lead to serious legal consequences.
The order underscores PPL’s ongoing campaign to ensure that commercial establishments play copyrighted music only after securing the necessary licences. The case highlights the growing scrutiny of music licensing in India’s entertainment industry and serves as a warning to other venues that may be overlooking their legal obligations.
