Music industry is singing praises of the historic decision taken by the parliament who has approved the Copyright Act (Amendment) Bill 2012 which strengthens the royalty claims of musicians, lyricists and people in similar fields.
"India's historic day in art and music, Copyright Bill passed unanimously in both the homes in parliament. It is the beginning of huge change in India. Such a lot of great musicians, writers, composers will bless this period even from heaven. India will witness great change in creative world," tweeted singer Kailash Kher.
The Lok Sabha passed the legislation on Tuesday after the Rajya Sabha had approved the measure on May 17.
The amended law provides for declaring authors because the owners of the copyright for his or her creative work and that this right can't be assigned to producers, as was the practice till now.
It also makes it mandatory for broadcasters from both the radio and tv industry to pay royalty to the owners of copyright every time a murals is broadcasted. The law also bans cover versions of literary, dramatic or musical work for 5 years from the primary recording of the unique creation.
"The amendments will benefit every creative person in India - be it an author, composer, writer, etc, who has hitherto been deprived of his / her due up to now. With this bill, the creators' rights are upheld and revered and the amendments are a good step within the right direction," read an announcement from Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).
Dadlani of popular composer duo Vishal - Shekhar said: "THE BRAND NEW copyright law amendment is an overly welcome step and can benefit everyone within the music business (including producers and music labels whether they comprehend it yet). Before we get euphoric about it though, I BELIEVE it's a must to work out and clarify the systems for collection and monetization of the royalties that this law bestows.
"However, modalities aside, I WANT to convey way to all of the members of parliament who voted to pass this bill especially Mr. Javed Akhtar and Mr. Kapil Sibal for empowering the common-or-garden musician and writer with dignity and recognition."
According to Subramaniam, president (India and Middle East), Sony Music India, the bill can have delved deeper into the piracy issue.
"We are delighted that the composers and the lyricists gets a share in royalties. This was long awaited and we believe this may help the whole artist development and align us with global practices. We now want to watch for the law to be signed by the president after which begin the method of interpreting and implementing the brand new developments in a broad and consensual manner to develop healthy new practices," said Subramaniam.
"The only thing that we're disappointed with isn't much was done concerning the piracy issue that all of us are suffering from and in addition the problem of statutory license for broadcasters," he added.
Singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya was confident about his personal enjoy the bill, but raised concerns concerning the distribution of royalty.
