Section 57 of CA, 1957 : Section 57: Author?S Special Rights

Explanation using Example

Let's consider a scenario where Mr. A is a renowned author who wrote a popular novel. He sold the copyright of his novel to a film production company, XYZ Productions, to adapt it into a movie. However, XYZ Productions, during the process of adaptation, significantly distorted the original storyline and characters, which led to public backlash and damaged Mr. A's reputation as an author.

According to Section 57 of The Copyright Act, 1957, even though Mr. A has sold his copyright to XYZ Productions, he still has the right to claim authorship of the original work and can seek legal restraint or claim damages against XYZ Productions for distorting his work in a manner that is prejudicial to his honour or reputation.

However, if Mr. A had sold a computer programme and XYZ Productions adapted it, Mr. A would not have the right to restrain or claim damages as per the provided clause in the same section.

Also, if XYZ Productions failed to display his work or did not display it to Mr. A's satisfaction, it would not be deemed an infringement of the rights conferred by this section.

If Mr. A was not alive, his legal representatives would have the right to exercise the rights conferred upon him by sub-section (1) of this section.