Bombay High Court Hears Copyright Case Against Kapil Sharma’s Netflix Show

Copyright society Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) has approached the Bombay High Court alleging copyright infringement by comedian Kapil Sharma and the producers of his Netflix show The Great Indian Kapil Show.

PPL has filed the case against K-9 Films Private Limited, BeingU Studios Private Limited, Kapil Sharma, Bhavneet Kaur, Akshit Lahoria and Gurjot Singh, who are associated with the production of the show currently streaming on Netflix.

According to PPL, sound recordings owned or controlled by it were regularly played as background music during live recordings of the show without taking the required licence. PPL argued that such unauthorised use harms its music business and reputation.

The matter came up before Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, who granted the producers two weeks’ time to file their reply to the plea.

PPL also informed the court that three seasons of the show have already been recorded and aired, and shooting for the fourth season is currently in progress. It expressed concern that its sound recordings may continue to be used without permission in upcoming episodes.

In its application, PPL has sought an injunction restraining the producers from publicly performing or communicating any sound recordings assigned or licensed to it, including during live recordings. It has also requested the appointment of a Court Receiver to seize devices such as laptops, hard disks and music systems allegedly used to play the infringing recordings.

Advocates representing K-9 Films, Kapil Sharma and the other parties opposed the plea and are expected to respond within the time granted by the court.