Power to restrict rights in works of foreign authors first published in India
Section 42 of the Copyright Act, 1957 deals with power to restrict rights in works of foreign authors first published in India. If it appears to the Central Government that a foreign country does not give or has not undertaken to give adequate protection to the works of Indian authors, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, direct that such of the provisions of this Act as confer copyright on The Act came into force on 21 Jan 1958.
If it appears to the Central Government that a foreign country does not give or has not undertaken to give adequate protection to the works of Indian authors, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, direct that such of the provisions of this Act as confer copyright on works first published in India shall not apply to works, published after the date specified in the order, the authors whereof are subjects or citizens of such foreign country and are not domiciled in India, and thereupon those provisions shall not apply to such works.
Section 42, The Copyright Act, 1957 (Act 14 of 1957).
Questions about Section 42
What does Section 42 of the Copyright Act deal with?
Section 42 of the Copyright Act is headed "Power to restrict rights in works of foreign authors first published in India". If it appears to the Central Government that a foreign country does not give or has not undertaken to give adequate protection to the works of Indian authors, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, direct that such of the provisions of this Act as confer copyright on
How do I find court cases under Section 42 of the Copyright Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Copyright Act 42, section 42 Copyright Act, section 42 of the Copyright Act. People searching for it also type copyright act s 42. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 42 of the Copyright Act come into force?
Section 42 of the Copyright Act, cited as Copyright Act 42, came into force on 21 Jan 1958, having been enacted on 04 Jun 1957. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 17 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.