Bombay High Court Bars Singer Alok Kumar From Monetising Ten Rao Sapru Songs; Orders Takedown of Uploaded Tracks

The article reports a Bombay High Court order restraining a singer from monetising or distributing ten songs composed by Rao Sapru, and directing the takedown of uploaded tracks from digital platforms. The Court accepted the plaintiff’s claim that the defendant lacked rights to reproduce or commercially exploit the songs. It highlighted the importance of copyright protection and authors’ rights in the music industry, especially in cases involving reuse of older tracks. The decision reinforces that digital distribution and monetisation require valid license or rights, and unauthorised use can be enjoined even after publication. For artistes, producers and platforms alike, the ruling warns against assumptions of implied rights and underscores need for explicit copyright clearance.