Academy Of General Edu.,Manipal & Anr vs B.Malini Mallya

The Supreme Court addressed a copyright dispute involving the performance of a ballet dance, 'Yaksha Ranga', developed by Dr. Kota Shivarama Karanth. The Court held that the respondent, as the legatee of Dr. Karanth's Will dated 18.6.1994, holds exclusive rights to the copyright of the literary and artistic works associated with the dance, as per clauses 11 and 12 of the Will. The Court affirmed that the appellants infringed upon these rights by performing the dance without obtaining prior permission from the respondent, thus ruling in favor of the respondent.