IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTION AVAILABLE FOR RETELLINGS, COMMENTARIES, OR DRAMATIZATIONS OF ANCIENT TEXTS LIKE THE RAMAYANA AND MAHABHARATA, AND HOW DISTINCT MUST THESE ADAPTATIONS BE TO QUALIFY AS ORIGINAL WORKS?

AUTHOR – HARIROOPAN MATHAN, SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE IN LAW, TNDALU

BEST CITATION – HARIROOPAN MATHAN, IS COPYRIGHT PROTECTION AVAILABLE FOR RETELLINGS, COMMENTARIES, OR DRAMATIZATIONS OF ANCIENT TEXTS LIKE THE RAMAYANA AND MAHABHARATA, AND HOW DISTINCT MUST THESE ADAPTATIONS BE TO QUALIFY AS ORIGINAL WORKS?, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 740-747, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

ABSTRACT

This paper explores the copyright protection framework for adaptations of ancient Indian texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. It examines key legal provisions, doctrines, and judicial interpretations under the Copyright Act, 1957, including originality, derivative works, and the public domain. Through landmark cases like R.G. Anand and Bhaktivedanta, it explains how creative adaptations receive protection when they demonstrate independent originality, commentary, or transformation, balancing cultural heritage accessibility with modern creators’ rights.

KEYWORDS: Copyright Act 1957, adaptation, originality, public domain, derivative works, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhaktivedanta judgment, transformative work, substantial similarity, creativity, independent creation.