This Article is From Dec 21, 2011

Sibal, Opposition clash over Copyright Bill

Sibal, Opposition clash over Copyright Bill
New Delhi: The Opposition is likely to step up its attack on Kapil Sibal after the Human Resource Development Minister tabled the controversial Copyright (amendment) Bill in Parliament on Tuesday.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded an-all party meeting to discuss the bill. The Janata Dal (United) has protested the bill, which reportedly allows music companies to charge what they want. The JD(U) says the move will benefit Mr Sibal's son, who is a lawyer for a music company.

The Opposition has asked for amendments to the bill.

BJP has slammed Mr Sibal, saying he has ignored the Standing Committee's recommendations and kept TV out of statutory licensing.

Mr Sibal on Tuesday moved the Copyright (amendment) Bill in the Rajya Sabha but it could not be taken up for discussion due to adjournment forced by BJP members. The union minister later condemned the Opposition party for disrupting proceedings and "not letting" the house discuss the bill. He said the government worked for the people and the Copyright Bill would help protect rights of creative writers and others in creative business.

The BJP accused him of using "language of arrogance" and said he should introspect why bills relating only to his ministry were pending.
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