Members of the Goa legislative assembly today demanded an inquiry into the affairs of anti-piracy company Indian Performing Rights Society Ltd (IPRS) claiming that it was involved in "extortion".
"The IPRS is involved in extortion. Dance troupes which earn by performing in few hotels face problems because of this company which claims to have a right to charge for the music played. Who gave them this right," independent legislator Vijay Sardesai told the state legislative assembly today.
Sardesai said that the state government should verify whether IPRS has a right to charge for musical performances under anti-piracy laws.
Echoing similar sentiments, BJP legislator Michael Lobo pointed out that the IPRS has been sending letters to various restaurants playing music.
"They are demanding lakhs of rupees from performers or restaurants which play recorded music," he said, claiming that IPRS has billed establishment Rs 21.51 lakh.
Lobo demanded that a house committee be formed to investigate the conduct of the IPRS.
The IPRS is a representative body of owners of music like composers, lyricists (or authors) and publishers of music, besides also being the sole authorised body to issue licences to play music within India by any person, as per the company's website.
