The Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS), a body which comprises composers, lyricists and music producers, has accused Bollywood production house Yash Raj Films (YRF) of collecting Rs 100 crore in music royalties belonging to IPRS members unauthorisedly, according to a report by Mumbai Mirror.
The report further states that an FIR has been filed with the Mumbai police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW), wherein the body has alleged that YRF has prevented it from collecting royalties from telecom companies, radio stations and music streaming platforms by pressurizing artistes to sign illegal agreements.
The FIR also names Aditya and Uday Chopra and states that a production house cannot collect royalties on behalf of artistes and producers as it is the sole responsibility of IPRS.
IPRS has alleged that since Yash Raj Films has forced artistes to sign dubious documents, it is clear that they have been pocketing the money which actually belongs to musicians, singers, music producers and lyricists.
The FIR also claims that though YRF has managed to get royalties from two TV broadcast platforms, it could not get music streaming platforms, radio stations and telecoms to pay up. A police officer also told Mumbai Mirror that the FIR has been registered under sections 409 (criminal breach of trust) and 34 (common intention) of the Indian Penal Code and other sections of Copyright Act.
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