Bombay High Court Issues Restraint on Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd.
The Bombay High Court has restrained Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd. from using copyrighted songs owned by Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) in the ongoing Legend League Cricket (LLC) tournament, which commenced on March 11, 2026. The court’s decision came in response to a plea from PPL, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
Justice Sharmila Deshmukh, presiding over the case, emphasized the “grave urgency” of the situation, noting that the LLC organizers had failed to obtain the mandatory license for this year’s tournament. In her remarks, Justice Deshmukh stated, “The action in the present case is quia timet action and apprehension that the Plaintiff’s copyrighted sound recordings will be played at the matches appears to be well-founded as in the past license was procured.” This statement underscores the court’s concern regarding the unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
The LLC tournament features six teams and is scheduled to run daily from March 11 to March 27, 2026. The organizers had previously secured a license for the tournament in 2023, which raises questions about their current compliance with copyright laws. The court granted ad-interim relief to PPL, preventing the defendants from using its copyrighted songs during the tournament.
The case, titled Phonographic Performance Limited vs Absolute Legend Sports Private Limited [Commercial Suit (L) 27133 of 2025], highlights the ongoing legal challenges surrounding copyright issues in the sports industry. The court’s decision reflects a growing awareness of intellectual property rights and the importance of obtaining proper licenses for the use of copyrighted material.
In a separate matter, the Bombay High Court also addressed a plea challenging Ph.D. program admissions at MNLU Nagpur, seeking the institution’s response. Additionally, the court observed that the victim’s testimony was sufficient to convict an accused in a sexual assault case, leading to a life imprisonment sentence for the perpetrator. Justice Manish Pitale remarked, “When a child is forced to suffer at the hands of her own father, the law must speak in a voice that is resolute and uncompromising.” This statement reflects the court’s commitment to upholding justice in sensitive cases.
The victim in the sexual assault case had reported the abuse following a “Police Didi” program at her school, confirming her date of birth as February 15, 2002, which established her status as a minor at the time of the incidents. The court noted that the sole testimony of the prosecutrix was sufficient for conviction, provided it inspired confidence.
As the LLC tournament progresses, observers will be keen to see how the organizers respond to the court’s ruling and whether they will take steps to rectify their licensing situation. The legal implications of this case may also influence future sports events and their compliance with copyright laws. Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential appeal or further legal actions by Absolute Legend Sports Pvt. Ltd.
