A Legal Issues Seminar was conducted by Alolika Chakraborty, Trainee Associate, on the topic “Do compositions based on traditional ragas qualify as original musical works?”

The session examined the intersection of copyright law and Hindustani classical music, focusing on whether compositions rooted in traditional ragas can qualify as original musical works. Drawing from statutory principles and judicial interpretations, the discussion explored how Indian copyright law assesses originality in the context of creative expression built upon traditional frameworks. The seminar concluded that the determination of originality in classical compositions must rest on the statutory requirement of independent creation.

The Presentation can be accessed here.

During the last PWS session, Diya Agrawal, Trainee Associate, led a discussion on the topic: “Do alterations or removals of tattoos violate the moral rights of the tattoo artist?” The participants explored whether moral rights should apply when the artwork is permanently inked onto a living person’s body, considering that the artwork becomes intrinsically tied to the individual’s bodily autonomy. The session delved into whether tattoo artists can assert moral rights if a tattoo is modified or removed privately, without any commercial or public display. Additionally, the discussion addressed the copyright eligibility of AI-generated tattoo designs, including questions of authorship and the associated moral rights of such creations. The session highlighted that while moral rights are important for preserving the creative integrity of tattoo artists, they cannot supersede an individual’s right to bodily autonomy, including their ability to modify or remove tattoos from their own body. 

ALG’s in-house cinephiles gathered in the office to explore Wes Anderson’s enchanting short film, “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar”, adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved tale. The session sparked a lively conversation around Anderson’s signature storytelling style, quirky aesthetics, and the film’s distinctive use of narration and theatrical sets that blur the line between stage and cinema.

The group reflected on how Anderson captures the whimsical yet thought-provoking essence of Dahl’s story in under 40 minutes.

The evening ended on a cheerful note, with the group discussing the stage-like presentation of the movie, Wes Anderson’s signature symmetrical framing, deadpan dialogue and quirky set designs, blending in to create a theatrical, book-like experience.

This Diwali, the ALG team – attorneys, administrators, and paralegals, came together to celebrate the ‘festival of lights’; and ‘each other’. The evening was filled with laughter, games, dance, and food, making it a much deserved unwind and memorable time for everyone.

Hoping everyone celebrating has had a safe and wonderful Diwali!

During the last PWS session, Sharmistha Sarkar, Associate, hosted a discussion on “Does digital mob behavior amplified by public polarization pose a genuine threat to creative expression?” The participants examined whether artistic liberty should be conceded to appease public sentiment. The session also talked about how stand-ups are becoming hostage to public sensitivity. The discussion further explored that making performative art subject to the scrutiny of mob culture should be avoided. The session highlighted that given the subjective and fluid nature of morality, equating artistic output with objective offense and subjecting it to public policing causes threat to free expression.