Rules for Playing Bollywood Music at Weddings Still Unclear

The tradition of playing Bollywood music at weddings in India is in legal uncertainty due to a dispute over music licensing. Section 52(1)(za) of the Copyright Act,1957, exempts music at marriage events from copyright infringement.

In 2023, the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) issued a notice that hotels and wedding organizers don’t need licenses, but private copyright companies have challenged this in court.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court is reviewing the case, putting the government’s notice on hold. While DPIIT insists the exemption applies, copyright firms still demand fees, confusing wedding organizers.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI) says that these companies are harassing hotels. Pradeep Shetty from the association confirmed that the exemption is valid until the court decides.