Madras High Court Quashes the Novex v. DXC Order, paves way for Novex to issue licenses sans being a registered copyright society
The Madras High Court has quashed the order given by it on 8.12.2021, in its latest order dated 10.03.2025 in the case of Novex Communications Private Limited v. DXC Technologies Private Limited.
The suits filed by the Parties were restored and thereafter allowed to be withdrawn unconditionally after the appellant (Novex Communications) requested for the same.
The Madras High Court in its earlier order had held that the first proviso to Section 33 made it clear that the right of an owner to issue licenses, in his individual capacity, remains unimpacted, subject to it being consistent with his obligations as a member of any copyright society. However, once the grant of license moves from the owner in his individual capacity, and transcends into the realm of a business, under proviso to Section 33(1), such business of licensing must be routed only through a copyright society.
Case Title: Novex Communications Private Limited v. DXC Technologies Private Limited
Citation: OSA(CAD) Nos.152 and 153 of 2021 and CMP Nos.11231 and 11236 of 2022
You can access and read the order here.
Consumer Forum Issues Notice to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn & Tiger Shroff over Vimal Ads
The Jaipur Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued notices to Shah Rukh Khan, Ajay Devgn, Tiger Shroff, and J B Industries (manufacturer of Vimal product) over an allegedly misleading ad. The complaint, filed by a Jaipur-based advocate, claimed that the actors falsely promote the presence of saffron in the product by using the line “Daane Daane mein Kesar Ka Dum” or “Every grain has the strenght of Saffron”.
Badiyal argues that saffron’s high market price of Rs. 4 lakhs per Kg, makes its inclusion in a low-cost product of Rs. 5, unrealistic. The commission has directed the actors to appear on March 19. The case is filed under Sections 35 and 89 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which address misleading advertisements and consumer rights violations.
You can read more about it here.
Karnataka High Court Stays Order Against PVR Over Movie Delay Due to Ads
The Karnataka High Court has stayed a consumer court order imposing a ₹1 lakh fine on PVR INOX for delaying a movie screening by 25 minutes due to advertisements. The stayed order by Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission had also directed PVR to print actual movie start times on tickets, calling the delay an “unfair trade practice.” The case was filed by filmgoer, who had claimed the ads disrupted his schedule.
The petitioners had claimed that the commission had acted without jurisdiction. Justice M. Nagaprasanna observed that “The directions issued by the commission on the face of it is a blatant violation of commission’s jurisdiction”, and that treating the complaint like a PIL and issuing directives was beyond its authority.
The interim order was passed on a petition by the Multiplex Association of India and PVR shareholder Santanu Pai.
You can read more about it here.
Real Money Gaming Industry Introduces Code of Ethics for User Safety
The All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports (FIFS), and E-Gaming Federation (EGF) have jointly signed a “Code of Ethics” (CoE) for the online real money gaming industry. This framework mandates responsible gaming practices, including KYC verification, spending limits, and user safety measures, to be adopted by member companies like Dream11, WinZO, and Games24X7.
The CoE enforces industry-wide standards through responsible advertising policies, third-party audits, and reporting mechanisms to ensure transparency. Based on global best practices, it applies to all skill-based real money gaming operators under these federations, aiming to safeguard over 50 crore Indian gamers.
You can read more about it here.
Disney Wins ‘Moana’ Copyright Trial as Jury Clears Infringement Claims
A Los Angeles jury ruled in favor of Disney in a copyright trial over Moana, rejecting claims by screenwriter Buck Woodall that the film was based on his work, Bucky the Wave Warrior. The jury found no evidence that Disney had access to Woodall’s 2011 screenplay, deliberating for less than three hours before reaching a unanimous verdict.
Disney maintained that Moana was independently created, highlighting key differences between the works. Woodall’s claims were largely dismissed due to the statute of limitations, though a related lawsuit over Moana 2 remains pending. Woodall’s lawyer expressed disappointment and is considering further legal options.
You can read more about it here.
Madras High Court Stays ED’s Property Attachment Order Against Director Shankar
The Madras High Court has stayed the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) order provisionally attaching ₹10.11 crore worth of assets belonging to filmmaker S. Shankar in a money laundering case linked to copyright infringement allegations. The case stems from writer Aarur Tamilnadan’s claim that Enthiran was based on his work without consent.
Shankar argued that Tamilnadan’s civil suit was already dismissed and a related criminal proceeding was stayed. The division bench, agreeing with this, quashed the ED’s attachment order and barred further action. The ED has been directed to file its counter by April 21.
You can read more about it here.
Parliamentary Panel Urges Faster Rollout of Broadcast Services Regulation Bill
A parliamentary committee has urged the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to expedite the Broadcast Services (Regulation) Bill, citing its necessity for modernizing media regulations. The panel emphasized that the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, is outdated and insufficient for today’s digital and OTT-driven landscape.
The report highlights concerns over regulatory gaps, content oversight, and compliance mechanisms in broadcasting laws. It calls for a balanced approach that fosters industry growth while ensuring consumer protection and content accountability in the evolving media ecosystem.
You can read more about it here.
Bombay High Court Quashes 2014 Case Against Singer Kailash Kher
The Bombay High Court has quashed a 2014 case against singer Kailash Kher, filed in a Ludhiana magistrate’s court for allegedly hurting religious sentiments with his song “Babam Bam”. The complaint, filed under IPC Sections 295A and 298, claimed the song’s visuals were offensive because visuals depicted a girl ‘wearing clumsy and very short clothes’, ‘a boy and girl are kissing each other’, and vulgarity was shown in the song’. However, the court ruled that Kher was merely singing and had no role in the potrayal.
The bench noted that every act disliked by some cannot be deemed as outraging religious feelings unless it is intentional and malevolent. The court emphasized that the song’s lyrics were in praise of Lord Shiva and dismissed the case, upholding freedom of speech.
You can read the order here
Health Ministry Urges IPL, BCCI to Ban Tobacco and Alcohol Ads
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged the IPL chairman and BCCI to strictly prohibit tobacco and alcohol advertising, including surrogate ads, during the 2025 IPL season starting March 22. Director General of Health Services Atul Goel also called for a ban on the sale of such products at all IPL-affiliated events and venues.
The ministry emphasized India’s growing burden of non-communicable diseases and asked IPL to enforce regulations against advertising these products, including endorsements by sportspersons and commentators. It highlighted IPL’s social responsibility in promoting public health and a healthy lifestyle.
You can read more about it here.
Madras High Court Seeks Centre, TN’s Reply on Online Gaming Norms by March 21
The Madras High Court has directed the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government to file counter-affidavits by March 21 in response to petitions challenging the state’s new online gaming regulations. The plea, filed by gaming companies like Play Games 24×7, Head Digital Works, and Junglee Games, seeks to quash Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority’s (TNOGA) 2025 rules on real money games (RMGs).
The petitioners have challenged provisions restricting minors from RMGs, mandating Aadhaar-based KYC for players, and banning RMGs during “blank hours” from 12 AM to 5 AM. The court stated that arguments will proceed once the pleadings are completed.
We have also covered these regulations in our earlier post available here. We had questioned whether the regulations were going to be challenged, which is happening, but it is not surprising considering various entities were reported to be in discussion to challenge the same.
You can read more about this development here.
