Yet another case of copyright infringement hit the highlights. A much broader view of the criminal protection guaranteed in copyright lawsuits was witnessed. This time to safeguard the rights vested in the 1973 Hindi blockbuster film Zanjeer, starring legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Pran, Ajit Khan, and Bindu. Without any hesitation, the film can be regarded as one of the finest drama films ever made. Followed by a sequel which of course failed to square the original. The blockbuster hit was written by Salim Khan with assistance from Javed Khan and was produced by Prakash Mehra Productions. Regrettably, Mr. Mehra passed away in 2009 passing on the rights to his lawful heir, Puneet Prakash Mehra.

The cause of action took place when Malad (Mumbai) based Box Cinema channel broadcasted the film on March 12, 2020, without any prior permission or license from the makers of the film. A complaint alleging copyright violation was filed by the present copyright holder, Puneet Prakash Mehra at Juhu Police Station on October 7, 2020.

Owing to non-progression, the matter was handed over to the Crime Intelligence Unit of Mumbai Police on January 1st. Upon raid, it was found that one Raju Khan along with Ghanshyam Suraj Giriwillfully dispensed Zanjeer film’s print to the Box Cinema. As reported by India Today, further investigation brought forward multiple names including one Parveen Sheikh of Zoya films along with registered owners of Hazra films, Sonam films, and VIP films.

For the sake of information, criminal legislations of copyrights are entailed in Section 63-70 of the Copyright Act of 1957. In addition, several sections including Section 154, pertaining to the investigation of a cognizable offense (such as copyright infringement), Section 157(1) for investigation and report to Magistrate empowered to take such cognizance, and Section 420 stating Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property, attract copyright criminalization.

In a typical copyright investigation, no officer below the rank of sub-inspector is allowed to investigate the case or take measures for discovery or seizure. Assistant Police Inspector Sachin Waze along with his team took over the Zanjeer copyright violation matter and observed, “There was Prakash Mehra's fake signature on bogus purchase and sale agreement which had been used to show as copyright over the film by these accused who are main agents. This has been going on since 1998.”

Interestingly, the proprietor of Box Cinema was already in receipt of an anticipatory bail prior to the Crime Intelligence Unit’s raid. The present dispute will be probed by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. A clear picture can be expected only when the forged documents are scrutinized and the suspected ones are cross-examined.

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