The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued a Public Notice connected July 24, 2023, confirming that euphony licences are not required for marriages and related societal events nether Section 52(1)(za) of the Copyright Act, 1957. (Representative image/Pexels)
The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Western India (HRAWI) has issued a nationalist notice, clarifying the ineligible presumption regarding the request for euphony licensing astatine weddings and different societal gatherings held astatine hospitality establishments. The clarification comes successful effect to disorder caused by definite backstage agencies claiming that euphony licensing was present mandatory for specified events.
HRAWI has reaffirmed that determination has been nary alteration successful the law, and that euphony played during matrimony processions and related festivities is exempt from licensing requirements. The Association emphasised that nary infringement occurs erstwhile euphony is played astatine these events. Any backstage bureau demanding outgo for euphony licensing for weddings oregon associated celebrations is acting successful usurpation of Section 52(1)(za) of the Copyright Act.
Pradeep Shetty, Spokesperson & Secretary of HRAWI, stated, “We person received reports of backstage agencies misleading hotels and guests astir the necessity of euphony licensing for marriages and related events. Some are citing the Goa High Court bid from August 13, 2024, and the DPIIT’s Public Notice from November 7, 2024, misinterpreting them arsenic caller ineligible requirements for euphony licences.”
The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued a Public Notice connected July 24, 2023, confirming that euphony licences are not required for marriages and related societal events nether Section 52(1)(za) of the Copyright Act, 1957. While a consequent announcement dated November 7, 2024, placed the earlier announcement “under abeyance,” HRAWI clarified that the newer announcement simply provided an explanatory update and did not present immoderate caller ineligible obligations.
Nirav Gandhi, Senior Vice President of HRAWI, added, “The Goa High Court bid does not code the euphony licensing contented for weddings and related societal events. Any proposition that it negates the exemption nether Section 52(1)(za) is incorrect. The instrumentality remains unchanged: euphony astatine marriages and associated celebrations is exempt from licensing and royalty fees.”
The Association further emphasised that the Government of India has not amended oregon revoked its anterior announcement regarding euphony licences for weddings. The DPIIT’s November 2024 announcement does not enforce immoderate caller licensing requirements for marriage-related events. With the wedding play successful afloat swing, HRAWI has circulated a informing to its members to support the nationalist from misleading claims and unlawful fees from backstage agencies.
The Association has urged heightened vigilance to debar harassment and guarantee consumers are not subjected to unnecessary payments.