Concept of Public Domain in Indian Copyright Law In Indian copyright law, a work enters the public domain when its copyright protection expires, meaning it can be freely used by anyone without permission or payment. 1. Duration of Copyright Protection (Under Copyright Act, 1957) Literary, Dramatic, Musical & Artistic Works: Lifetime of the author + 60 years after death. Cinematographic Films, Sound Recordings, Government & Anonymous Works: 60 years from the year of first publication. Photographs: 60 years from the year of creation. 2. Works in Public Domain After the copyright term expires, the work enters the public domain and can be used freely. Government-published works may enter the public domain if not protected by law. 3. No Copyright Renewal in India Copyright cannot be renewed after expiry, unlike in some countries. 4. Examples of Public Domain Works Ancient texts like Vedas, Upanishads, and epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata). Works of authors who died before 1963 (as of 2024). Government documents, unless explicitly protected. 5. Restrictions Even After Public Domain Moral rights of the author still exist (no distortion or misrepresentation). Translations, adaptations, or modifications may still have separate copyrights. Conclusion A work enters the public domain when its copyright expires, allowing free use. In India, most works become public 60 years after the author's death or from the date of publication for certain categories.