ACADEMY OF GENERAL EDU.,MANIPAL vs B.MALINI MALLYA

The Supreme Court addressed a copyright dispute concerning the performance of a Yakshagana ballet developed by Dr. Kota Shivarama Karanth, as per the Will executed on 18.6.1994, which vested copyright in the respondent. The Court held that the respondent is entitled to copyright protection under the Copyright Act, 1957, specifically under Section 13, as the work was original and distinct. The Court affirmed the respondent's claim for damages and injunction against the appellants for performing the ballet without permission, thereby upholding the sanctity of the Will and the copyright therein.