Copyright Act | Karnataka High Court Quashes Prosecution Against ANI Technologies, CEO Upon Being Told Of Settlement Between Parties

The Karnataka High Court has quashed prosecution initiated under provisions of the Copyright Act, against ANI Technologies Private Limited which operates Olacabs, and its Chief Executive Officer, Bhavish Aggarwal.

A single judge bench of Justice K Natarajan allowed the petition and quashed the FIR registered by the Jeevan Bheemanagar Police Station under sections 63 and 64 of the Copyright Act, 1957.

The bench allowed the petition after a joint memo was filed by the petitioners and Lahari Recording Company (the complainant), stating that the parties had settled their issues between them amicably and therefore, prayed for compounding the offences and to quash the FIR registered in the year 2017.

It was alleged by the complainant that the petitioners used pirated music on OlaPlay tabs installed in the cabs. The service was launched in November 2016 to enhance the passenger experience of those riding in the cabs.

The court accepting the joint memo said “In view of the settlement between the parties, I.A.No.1/2022 is allowed. The parties are permitted to compound the offence. 7. Consequently, the petition is allowed. The FIR in Crime No.191/2017 dated 20.05.2017 against the accused Nos.1 and 2 is hereby quashed."

Appearance: Senior Advocate K. Arunkumar for Advocate Chethana K N for Petitioners.

HCGP K. Nageshwarappa for R1.

Advocate Pranav Kumar M for R2.

Citation No 2024 LiveLaw (Kar) 16

Case Title: ANI Technologies Private Limited AND State of Karnataka & Others

Case No: Criminal Petition No 10156 OF 2022

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