Panaji: In a move aimed at safeguarding weddings and social gatherings from disruption, the Goa government has announced that hotels and event venues in the state cannot be compelled to stop playing music or make payments based on copyright claims raised by private agencies such as *Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL)* and *Novex Communications*.
Responding to a Calling Attention motion in the State Assembly, Chief Minister *Pramod Sawant* clarified that venues across Goa would be formally instructed not to halt music or make direct payments when approached by such agencies. Any objections or disputes, he said, must be referred to the police rather than settled on the spot.
The announcement is expected to bring relief to hoteliers, event managers, and families hosting celebrations, who have reportedly faced interruptions during weddings and social functions due to copyright enforcement claims.
The state government further stated that it would escalate the matter to the *Ministry of Commerce and Industry* at the Union level. Officials indicated that Goa would seek relief aligned with an order of the *Gujarat High Court*, while also working toward a long-term resolution to clarify the legal framework surrounding music usage at private events.
According to the government, existing legal provisions already provide certain exemptions for social and private gatherings. The administration emphasized that celebrations should not be disrupted over disputed copyright claims and reiterated its commitment to ensuring smooth conduct of events across the state.