Bombay High Court Issues Restraint on Copyrighted Music for Legend League Cricket Tournament
Bombay High Court Issues Restraint on Copyrighted Music for Legend League Cricket Tournament
The Bombay High Court has restrained Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd. from using copyrighted songs owned by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) during the ongoing Legend League Cricket (LLC) tournament, which commenced on March 11, 2026. This decision comes as a significant legal development just as the tournament, featuring six teams, is set to run until March 27, 2026.
Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, presiding over the case, emphasized the “grave urgency” of the situation in her ruling. She noted that the LLC organizers had failed to secure the necessary license for this year’s tournament, despite having obtained one in 2023. “The action in the present case is quia timet action and apprehension that the Plaintiff’s copyrighted sound recordings will be played at the matches appears to be well-founded as in the past license was procured,” Justice Deshmukh stated.
The court granted ad-interim relief to PPL, effectively preventing Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd. from using its copyrighted music until further notice. This ruling highlights the importance of copyright compliance in the sports entertainment industry, particularly as the LLC seeks to establish itself as a prominent fixture in the cricket calendar.
In a related matter, the Bombay High Court has also sought a response from MNLU Nagpur regarding a plea challenging admissions to its Ph.D. program. This reflects the court’s active engagement in various legal matters beyond sports, showcasing its role in addressing educational and administrative issues.
In a separate case, Justice Manish Pitale underscored the significance of victim testimony in sexual assault cases. He stated, “When a child is forced to suffer at the hands of her own father, the law must speak in a voice that is resolute and uncompromising.” This statement came as the court convicted an individual for sexually assaulting his daughter, with the victim’s date of birth confirmed as February 15, 2002, indicating she was a minor at the time of the incidents.
The victim had reported multiple incidents of abuse, which occurred three months prior to the filing of the FIR on July 27, 2018. Justice Pitale remarked, “The sole testimony of the prosecutrix is enough to return a finding of conviction, so long as the evidence of the prosecutrix inspires confidence.” This ruling reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to upholding justice in sensitive cases involving minors.
As the LLC tournament progresses, observers will be keenly watching how Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd. responds to the court’s injunction and whether they will seek to resolve the licensing issue promptly. The outcome of this legal challenge could have lasting implications for the tournament’s operations and its future engagements with music rights holders.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential appeals or further legal actions from the LLC organizers. The Bombay High Court’s decisions in these cases reflect its pivotal role in navigating complex legal landscapes in India, balancing the interests of copyright holders, victims of crime, and the broader public interest.
