Kapil Sharma Show Faces Copyright Lawsuit Over Songs

Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) India has initiated legal proceedings in the Bombay High Court, citing copyright infringement by Kapil Sharma and Netflix concerning "The Great Indian Kapil Show." The organization asserts that three widely recognized songs were featured in Season 3 of the popular series without obtaining the requisite licenses from the rights holders. The complaint, filed on December 12, highlights that the unlicensed use constitutes a public performance under Indian Copyright law.

PPL India detailed that the production, which includes recording before a live audience where the songs were audibly played, followed by streaming on Netflix, amplifies the alleged infringement. A cease-and-desist notice was issued in early November, but the response from the show's makers was reportedly insufficient to halt the unauthorized use of the sound recordings.

The organization is seeking a court injunction to prevent further unlicensed use of its music, an accounting of earnings derived from the allegedly infringing content, and potentially the appointment of a court receiver. The case is slated for an upcoming hearing in the commercial division of the Bombay High Court.