Copyright Act, 1957 · Chapter XI: Infringement of Copyright
Section 53A: Resale share right in original copies
[53A. Resale share right in original copies.(1) In the case of resale for a price exceeding ten thousand rupees, of the original copy of a painting, sculpture or drawing, or of the original manuscript of a literary or dramatic work or musical work, the author of such work if he was the first owner of rights under section 17 or his legal heirs shall, notwithstanding any assignment of copyright in such work, have a right to share in the resale price of such original copy or manuscript in accordance with the provisions of this section:
Provided that such right shall cease to exist on the expiration of the term of copyright in the work.
(2) The share referred to in sub-section (1) shall be such as the [Commercial Court] may fix ***:
Provided that the [Commercial Court] may fix different shares for different classes of work:
Provided further that in no case shall the share exceed ten percent, of the resale price.
(3) If any dispute arises regarding the right conferred by this section, it shall be referred to the [Commercial Court] whose decision shall be final.]
Source: India Code (indiacode.gov.in), the consolidated text published by the Legislative Department, Government of India. Text as updated on India Code on 15 October 2026. Words in square brackets [ ] were inserted or substituted by later amending Acts, and *** marks words omitted by an amendment. The amendment footnotes are not reproduced here. Official text on India Code.
Supreme Court judgments citing the section 53A
No Supreme Court judgment in our database cites this section yet.