Bigg Boss 19 Faces ₹2 Crore Legal Notice Over Unauthorized Song Use – Full Details

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Summary

Bigg Boss 19, hosted by Salman Khan, is facing legal action from Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) over the alleged unauthorized use of two Bollywood songs. PPL has demanded ₹2 crore in damages and licensing fees and issued a cease-and-desist notice. This article covers the legal notice, the songs involved, the implications for the show, and what this means for the television and streaming industry.

The latest season of Bigg Boss 19, one of India’s most-watched reality shows, is now under legal scrutiny. Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), India’s primary music licensing organization, has sent a legal notice to the show for allegedly using copyrighted songs without authorization.

The controversy revolves around two songs: “Chikni Chameli” from Agneepath and “Dhat Teri Ki Main” from Gori Teri Pyaar Mein. These songs were featured in the show’s 11th episode, raising concerns over copyright infringement and proper licensing protocols.

What PPL Is Alleging

PPL’s legal notice, dated September 19, 2025, claims that Endemol Shine India, the production house behind Bigg Boss 19, used the songs without securing the mandatory public performance licenses.

• Legal Reference: Under Section 30 of the Copyright Act, 1957, the public performance of copyrighted music requires authorization from rights holders or licensing bodies like PPL.
• Damages Claimed: PPL is demanding ₹2 crore in damages and licensing fees for the unauthorized use.
• Scope of Rights: PPL manages public performance rights for over 450 music labels, including Sony Music India, which owns the rights to the two songs in question.

PPL asserts that the unauthorized use of these songs constitutes “willful infringement,” and the organization is prepared to pursue further legal action if the show does not comply.

Cease-and-Desist Notice

Alongside the financial demands, PPL has issued a cease-and-desist order instructing the producers to immediately stop using the disputed songs.

• Immediate Effect: The notice warns that any continued use of the songs without proper licensing could lead to additional lawsuits.
• Compliance Requirement: The show must either remove the songs from airing content or secure proper licenses to avoid escalating legal issues.

Role of JioHotstar

Industry insiders suggest that the decision to include the songs may have come from JioHotstar’s promotional team, the streaming platform that hosts Bigg Boss 19.

• Licensing Oversight: There may have been a breakdown in communication between the production house and the platform, leading to this licensing lapse.
• Responsibility Questioned: While Endemol Shine India and Banijay remain silent, the oversight might be traced to the marketing or promotional teams rather than the creative production team.

This highlights the complexity of copyright compliance in digital streaming platforms, where content is used across multiple channels.

Legal Implications

The legal notice emphasizes the importance of adhering to copyright laws in television and online media.

• Potential Penalties: If PPL pursues the case in court, the producers could be liable for significant financial penalties beyond the ₹2 crore initially demanded.
• Precedent Setting: A ruling in favor of PPL may set a legal precedent for other television shows and streaming platforms regarding the use of copyrighted music.
• Crucial Compliance: Production houses must ensure licensing agreements are secured for any copyrighted material used in programming, advertisements, or promotions.

Failure to comply could also impact the reputation of the show and the credibility of the streaming platform.

Impact on Bigg Boss 19

This legal controversy could have several repercussions for Bigg Boss 19:

1. Financial Losses: Payment of ₹2 crore in damages and licensing fees may affect the show’s budget.
2. Content Modifications: Future episodes may need to edit or remove the disputed songs to comply with copyright regulations.
3. Audience Perception: Viewers may question the show’s adherence to legal and ethical standards, potentially impacting ratings and engagement.
4. Production Delays: Any legal proceedings could delay upcoming promotional activities or special episodes.

Despite these challenges, the show continues to air on Colors TV and stream on JioHotstar as the matter unfolds.

Industry Reaction

The incident has sparked conversations across the entertainment industry about copyright compliance:

• Experts stress the importance of obtaining proper licenses for music, especially for shows broadcasted both on television and digital platforms.
• Industry professionals note that unauthorized use of music can lead to costly lawsuits and damage relationships with music labels.
• This case is likely to encourage other production companies to audit their content to ensure compliance with copyright law.

It also highlights the blurred lines between creative decisions and legal responsibilities in the era of streaming platforms

Why This Case Matters

The Bigg Boss 19 lawsuit serves as a critical reminder of the broader implications of copyright infringement:

• Awareness for Producers: Reinforces the need for careful vetting of music and content licensing.
• Digital Compliance: Streaming platforms must implement stricter compliance measures when handling copyrighted material.
• Viewer Education: Brings attention to the importance of respecting intellectual property in entertainment.

The case underscores that even highly popular shows are not exempt from legal scrutiny when it comes to copyright laws.

Conclusion

The legal notice issued by PPL against Bigg Boss 19 illustrates the risks of unauthorized music use in television and digital streaming. With demands of ₹2 crore and a cease-and-desist order in place, the show’s producers must take immediate action to comply with copyright laws.

As the situation develops, this case could set a precedent for the entertainment industry, highlighting the necessity for proper licensing and meticulous content oversight. For viewers, it adds an unexpected layer of intrigue to the ongoing season of Bigg Boss 19.

Also Read : Why Cierra Ortega’s Removal from Love Island USA Season 7

FAQs

Q1: Which songs are involved in the lawsuit?
A1: “Chikni Chameli” from Agneepath and “Dhat Teri Ki Main” from Gori Teri Pyaar Mein.

Q2: Who filed the legal notice?
A2: Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL).

Q3: What is the total financial claim?
A3: PPL has demanded ₹2 crore in damages and licensing fees.

Q4: Has Bigg Boss 19 responded?
A4: The production houses have remained silent on the matter.

Q5: What is the cease-and-desist order about?
A5: The order instructs the show to stop using the songs without authorization immediately.

Q6: Who might be responsible for the licensing oversight?
A6: Sources suggest that JioHotstar’s promotional team may have made the decision to include the songs without proper licensing.

Q7: Could the show face penalties?
A7: Yes, if found liable, the producers may need to pay damages and remove the songs from future episodes.

Q8: Will this affect the airing of Bigg Boss 19?
A8: The show continues to air while legal proceedings are ongoing.

Q9: Why is this case important for the entertainment industry?
A9: It highlights the critical importance of copyright compliance and proper licensing for music in television and streaming content.

Q10: How can viewers stay updated?
A10: Follow official announcements from the producers and JioHotstar for updates on the lawsuit and any content changes.

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