Mumbai: Madras High Court has granted an interim stay of operation of the Copyright Board order dated 25 August 2010 in respect of its applicability to the sound recordings owned by members of the South Indian Music Companies Association (SIMCA).

SIMCA Secretary Sridhar Swaminathan told RadioAndMusic.com, In the order of stay passed on 3rd December, the Hon'ble High Court has noted that the rates of royalty prevalent before the Board's order were being paid by the radio broadcasters for a long period of nearly 8 years, and in these circumstances, it would be proper that a stay of the Board's order is granted....

The appeals filed by SIMCA against the Board order had come up for hearing in early November, but extensive objections were taken by the radio broadcasters,... Sridhar said, adding, After a marathon round of arguments, the Hon'ble High Court has been pleased to grant this order of stay for a limited period of two weeks, within which the respondent broadcasters have been directed to file their counter so that the appeals can be heard and disposed off at the earliest....

Asked how AROI will proceed in light of this development, AROI President Anurradha Prasad told RadioAndMusic.com, I cannot comment until the members meet. But my personal view is that AROI should work together with the regional broadcasters on all such matters, and support the interests of Radio in a strong and concerted manner. We will decide on the future course of action after we meet next week....