Phonographic Performance Limited a copyright owner in sound recordings filed CS(COMM) 267/2024 against Pass Code Hospitality Private Limited operating pubs alleging infringement by unauthorized public performance of repertoire without license seeking injunction damages with interim application I.A. 7255/2024 for restraint and ad hoc fees arrangement directed 10.04.2024 extended quarterly till 04.05.2025 amid defendant filing I.A. 20757/2025 for refund post Azure Hospitality judgment holding PPL disentitled to license without registration under Section 33 Copyright Act 1957 and subsequent AL Hamd following it prompting I.A. 8596/2024 for clarification. The court reasoned that Azure Hospitality ratio on PPL's inability to issue licenses absent registration or RMPL membership remains binding as Supreme Court SLP stay limited to specific direction in para 27 for inter se parties not entire judgment thus change in circumstances under Order XXXIX Rule 4 CPC warrants review but since core issue sub judice continue ad hoc to protect both till disposal without prejudice. Applications disposed directing further ₹15 lakhs deposit allowing ₹8 lakhs withdrawal balance in FD listing suit 15.01.2026.
- Limited stay in SLP does not suspend entire precedent's ratio unless expressly covering observations; applicable inter se parties absent third-party extension: Azure Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. v. Phonographic Performance Ltd., 2025 SCC OnLine Del 4040, Para 31; Para 33.
- Subsequent judgments constitute change in circumstances justifying variation of interim orders under Order XXXIX Rule 4 CPC if pertinent to injunction: Gurmeet Singh v. Hardev Singh, 2011 SCC OnLine Del 2962, Para 14.7; Bepin Krishna Sur v. Gautam Kumar Sur, 1981 (85) CWN 393, Para 14.7.
- Ad hoc license fee arrangements may continue pending final adjudication if core licensing entitlement sub judice before apex court: Para 34.
Phonographic Performance Limited Vs Pass Code Hospitality Private Limited & Ors., Order date: 09.01.2026, Case Number: CS(COMM) 267/2024 & I.A. 20757/2024, Neutral Citation: N/A, Name of court: High Court of Delhi at New Delhi, Name of Judge: Hon'ble Mr. Justice Tejas Karia.
[Readers are advised not to treat this as substitute for legal advise as it may contain errors in perception, interpretation, and presentation]
[Written By: Advocate Ajay Amitabh Suman, IP Adjutor [Patent and Trademark Attorney], High Court of Delhi]
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