Mou Chakraborty
Kolkata, October 10, 2007
THE BARD had famously said: “If music be the food of love play on”. But little did Shakespeare know that centuries later copyright laws will be played out to stop music being played in the public sphere.
That’s exactly what going to happen from the next Durga Puja if organisers fail to obtain licence issued by the Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), the copyright society entrusted with the job of issuing licence for playing music in public places. Any lapse in seeking permission will mean steep penalty and even imprisonment. Almost all music companies are PPL members and royalties collected from issuing the licence goes to them.
This will be the first time that PPL will approach puja organisers to get licence for playing music in the pandal. “This year we will not penalise any organiser for not obtaining the licence. We do not want to spoil the festive mood but we will make them aware about the licensing system so that from next year they start procuring it,” said Soumya Chowdhury, national sales manager (events) of PPL.
As per the Copyright Act of 1957, it is mandatory for those playing pre-recorded music in public places to take prior permission from the PPL. Depending on the magnitude of the event, the music licence fee ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 15,000 and covers music being played at functions by puja organisers. And those failing to procure the licence can end up paying anything between Rs 50,000 and Rs 2 lakh as fine. They might also be imprisoned for six months to three years.
Though this year no one will be penalised for not procuring the licence, from next year before issuing the no-objection certificate to puja committees the local police station will make it mandatory to obtain music licence. PPL along with the Kolkata Police will also organise awareness camps for the purpose.
Explaining why obtaining the licence is necessary, PPL’s eastern regional head Supriyo Mukherjee said: “It is true that CDs played at pandals are purchased and the companies have got their royalty. But they are sold for private use. In this age of sponsorship, Durga Puja has got a commercial tinge. We are here to protect the music industry and whenever music is being used commercially all of them associated with its creation should get the revenue. Else, the industry will become sick like the one in Pakistan.”
Already many big Puja organisers like Shribhumi, Shimla Byam Samiti, College Square, Md. Ali Park, Park Circus Sarbojonin, Ahiritola, Dum Dum Park and Lake Town Sarbojonin have approached PPL for music licence.
Grahams Land Sarbojonin Durgotsav, located beside Indra Puri studio, got the licence from PPL on Wednesday. “As per the government circular this permission is necessary and Rs 500 is nothing if I am promised that I can play anything I want to and will not be harassed by PPL or the police for that. After all Puja is the time for enjoyment and we won’t mind if the music industry gets some money,” said Sanjay Mukherjee of the committee.
But not all Puja organisers are ready to procure a music licence. “It is wrong to say that Durga Puja has been commercialised. It is not an industry and we are not making profits. The sponsors help us to organise a grand puja, which in turn gives temporary employment to many poor people. For organisers it is voluntary service and why should we pay even Rs 500 when we have bought the CD and taken police permission for using loudspeakers. Such moves will mar Puja celebrations,” said Gautam Mukherjee, joint general secretary of Ekdalia Evergreen Club.
Mou.Chakraborty@hindustantimes.com
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