Calcutta High Court Upholds Ban on Publisher: Protects Copyrights of Narayan Debnath’s Works
Court Recognizes Widow and Son’s Rights Under Author’s Will
Copyright Protection Strengthened Amid Kolkata Book Fair Dispute
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: January 25, 2026:
The Calcutta High Court has delivered a significant ruling in the ongoing copyright battle over the works of late legendary cartoonist Narayan Debnath, creator of beloved characters like Bantul the Great, Handa Bhonda, and Nonte Phonte. The court upheld an interim injunction against Kolkata-based publisher Dev Sahitya Kutir Pvt. Ltd., preventing them from printing, selling, or distributing Debnath’s literary and artistic works until further orders. This decision reinforces the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and succession laws in India.
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Background of the Case
- Narayan Debnath, who passed away in January 2022, left behind a will naming his widow as executor and his son as legatee.
- His family alleged that Dev Sahitya Kutir continued publishing his works without authorization, infringing on their copyright.
- The district court had earlier granted an ad interim injunction, which the publisher challenged before the High Court.
- The division bench of Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya and Justice Supratim Bhattacharya dismissed the publisher’s appeal, affirming the injunction.
Court’s Observations
- The court clarified that copyright suits can proceed even before probate is granted under the Indian Succession Act.
- It recognized the widow and son’s legal standing to protect Debnath’s works.
- The judges emphasized that there was no error in the trial court’s order and that protecting the author’s legacy was paramount.
Impact on Publishing Industry
This ruling sends a strong message to publishers:
- Unauthorized publication of copyrighted works will not be tolerated.
- Authors’ families and legal heirs have enforceable rights under succession law.
- The decision comes just before the Kolkata Book Fair, where Debnath’s works are popular, making the injunction particularly impactful.
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Broader Significance
- The case highlights the intersection of copyright law and succession law in India.
- It underscores the importance of probate procedures and the role of executors and legatees in protecting intellectual property.
- For legal professionals, this ruling is a reminder of how courts balance creative rights with commercial interests.
Conclusion
- The Calcutta High Court’s ruling in favour of Narayan Debnath’s family is a landmark in protecting the rights of authors and their heirs. It not only safeguards the legacy of one of India’s most iconic cartoonists but also strengthens the framework of copyright enforcement in the country. As the publishing industry adapts to this precedent, the case will serve as a guiding example of how courts uphold intellectual property rights in line with succession law.
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