Bombay High Court Issues Restraint on Copyrighted Music Use in Cricket Tournament

Bombay High Court Issues Restraint on Copyrighted Music Use in Cricket Tournament

The Bombay High Court has restrained Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd. from using copyrighted songs owned by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) in the ongoing Legend League Cricket (LLC) tournament. This decision comes as the tournament commenced on March 11, 2026, with six teams participating and is scheduled to run until March 27, 2026.

Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, presiding over the case, acknowledged the “grave urgency” in the plea filed by PPL, which highlighted that the LLC organisers failed to obtain the mandatory license for this year’s tournament. In her ruling, Justice Deshmukh stated, “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.” This statement underscores the court’s recognition of the potential infringement on PPL’s rights.

Historically, the LLC organisers had secured a license for the tournament in 2023, which raises questions about their current compliance with copyright laws. The court’s decision to grant ad-interim relief to PPL prevents the defendants from using its copyrighted songs during the matches, emphasizing the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in the sports industry.

The case, titled Phonographic Performance Limited vs Absolute Legend Sports Private Limited [Commercial Suit (L) 27133 of 2025], reflects broader issues surrounding copyright in entertainment and sports. As the LLC matches are set to take place daily, the implications of this ruling may resonate beyond the current tournament, influencing future events and licensing agreements.

In a separate ruling, the Bombay High Court also addressed a case involving sexual assault, where Justice Manish Pitale remarked, “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 case involved a victim whose date of birth was confirmed as February 15, 2002, making her a minor at the time of the reported incidents.

The victim had reported sexual abuse after a ‘Police Didi’ program at her school, leading to a life imprisonment sentence for the accused, who was found guilty based on the victim’s testimony. Justice Pitale noted, “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 highlights the court’s commitment to upholding justice in sensitive cases involving minors.

As the LLC tournament progresses, observers will be keen to see how Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd. responds to the court’s decision and whether they will seek to negotiate a licensing agreement with PPL. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how copyright issues are handled in future sporting events in India.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential appeal or further legal actions from Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd. as the tournament continues amidst these legal challenges.