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The recent registration of the Screenwriters Rights Association of India (SRAI) as a Copyright Society marks a pivotal moment for screenwriters across the nation. This development, which comes after years of advocacy and effort from industry professionals, is a significant stride toward ensuring that screenwriters receive the recognition and compensation they deserve for their creative contributions. Registered under Section 33(3) of the Copyright Act, 1957, SRAI is now empowered to function as a collective management organisation specifically for screenwriters, covering both dramatic and literary works. Historically, screenwriters in India have faced numerous challenges in securing fair compensation for their work. The entertainment industry has seen tremendous growth, particularly in digital content, yet the rights of those who craft the narratives often remain overlooked. With the official registration of SRAI, screenwriters can now negotiate collectively with producers, platforms, and broadcasters, thereby enhancing their bargaining power. This collective approach is expected to lead to better remuneration practices and reduce disputes that have long plagued the industry.
The registration of SRAI provides it with several critical functions. It can now issue licenses for the use of screenwriters’ works, collect royalties on behalf of its members, and enter into agreements with foreign societies for rights administration. Additionally, SRAI will publish its tariff schemes and ensure transparency in royalty collection and distribution. This structure is essential not only for protecting individual rights but also for fostering a more organised and equitable industry environment.
The impact of copyright societies extends beyond mere royalty collection. As highlighted in the Delhi High Court case Phonographic Performance Ltd. v. Lizard Lounge & Ors., copyright societies serve multiple purposes: administering licenses, recovering fees, and prosecuting infringement claims. The court emphasised that individual copyright owners often struggle to manage these aspects independently, underscoring the necessity of a structured entity like SRAI to facilitate these processes. SRAI was founded in 2017 by a group of prominent screenwriters including Anjum Rajabali, Javed Akhtar, and Kamlesh Pandey, among others. Their vision was to create an organization that could advocate for the rights of screenwriters in India effectively. Despite an initial application that mysteriously disappeared from consideration, SRAI persevered and submitted a revised application in 2020. The recent approval by the Registrar of Copyrights signifies not only a victory for SRAI but also a broader recognition of the importance of safeguarding creative rights within the rapidly evolving media landscape.The establishment of SRAI as a registered copyright society introduces much-needed clarity and structure to the licensing process within the film and television industries. Producers and platforms now have a clear channel through which they can obtain licenses for screenwriting works, which should streamline operations and minimize conflicts over intellectual property rights.
This development is particularly timely given the increasing complexity of content creation in an era dominated by streaming services and digital platforms. Moreover, this registration aligns with global trends where collective management organizations play a crucial role in protecting the interests of creators. By facilitating negotiations and ensuring fair compensation practices, SRAI aims to elevate the status of screenwriters in India to that of their counterparts in more established markets. While this achievement is commendable, it also highlights ongoing challenges within the industry. The existence of multiple organizations advocating for writers’ rights can lead to confusion among members regarding representation and support. For instance, while SRAI focuses on screenwriters’ interests, other bodies like the Screenwriters Association (SWA) also play significant roles in protecting writers’ rights across various media formats.
It will be essential for these organizations to collaborate effectively to unify efforts toward improving conditions for writers. Looking ahead, the success of SRAI will depend on its ability to engage with all stakeholders involved in content creation—from producers to digital platforms—and foster an environment where writers feel empowered to assert their rights without fear of retribution or exploitation. The journey toward equitable treatment for screenwriters is ongoing; however, with SRAI’s registration as a Copyright Society, there is newfound hope that their voices will be heard louder than ever before. In conclusion, the registration of the Screenwriters Rights Association of India as a Copyright Society is not just a bureaucratic milestone; it represents a fundamental shift in how screenwriters are viewed within India’s vibrant entertainment sector.
As this organization begins its work advocating for fair practices and compensation, it has the potential to reshape the landscape for creative professionals across the country. The future looks promising as screenwriters unite under this new banner, ready to claim their rightful place within an industry that thrives on their creativity and talent.
Dr. Deevanshu Shrivastava, Associate Dean, School of Law, GD Goenka University, Gurugram.
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