On the 8th May 2019, a few weeks after the release of Mystic Tree’s Reggae Version of the Hanuman Chalisa, we received an alarming email from our international distributor, Distrokid. We were informed that RP-SG, an Indian conglomerate, had filed a takedown notice against our entire Hanuman Chalisa release (both the vocal and instrumental versions), claiming that it was infringing copyright. We were told that both tracks will be removed from our catalog, and immediately deleted from the over 150 online stores that they were released to. We were instructed not to upload the track again until the matter had been fully resolved with the complainant.
We have been notified by stores and streaming services that they have received a take down for the following content:
Hanuman Chalisa (Reggae Version)
Mystic TreeIf you have any questions, please contact the claimant at: aarti.jain@rp-sg.in
The only details we were provided was the email address of the complainant: a certain aarti.jain@rp-sg.in of RP-SG, a US$3 Billion conglomerate based in India that also owns the Saregama music label. Needless to say, we immediately wrote to her politely requesting the details of alleged infringement. Then we wrote again. And again. And again. And again, with still no response and it is now almost a month later. Truthfully, RP-SG has already had our Hanuman Chalisa track successfully pulled from all online stores, and what incentive do they have to bother replying? None.
We feel that this entire situation is absolutely ridiculous, and have subsequently launched an international #HijackHanuman campaign. Details can be found on the Hijack Hanuman website. Please visit the website and support the campaign against these corporates that think they can dictate in what form individuals can worship and share their devotional tracks. Details of #HijackHanuman facebook page is below – please do add your support by liking the page:
You can also find a link to download Hanuman Chalisa Reggae Version on the website, so you can evaluate for yourself what the fuss is about. Please do leave your thoughts and comments on the issue on the #HijackHanuman website!
