BBT files Lawsuit against Hansadutta das

July 5, 2003

The BBT-Int'l, Inc. has filed a lawsuit against Hansadutta das for copyright infringements. Hansadutta das, one of the senior most disciples of Srila Prabhupada and former ISKCON GBC, guru and dedicated preacher had left ISKCON after some improprieties as ISKCON guru. Interestingly enough, he was one of the first to publish Srila Prabupada's books in European languages, like the German version of Bhagavad-gita. In the early 80's while still in ISKCON he published books like the pocket version of the Bhagavad-gita and the one-volume Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita.

This lawsuit raises a fundamental question. Many Srila Prabhupada disciples that have either left ISKCON or have been pushed out of ISKCON who wanted to continue to propagate their spiritual master's message are faced with this dilemma. In some cases the BBT would refuse to sell Srila Prabhupada's books to them. Some have even been criticized by their god brothers in ISKCON for publishing books authored by Srila Prabhupada's god brothers. On the other hand if they want to publish Srila Prabhupada's books or even quote from His books they may get sued by the BBT.

The question arises whether the writings of a personality like Srila Prabhupada can be copyrighted by any single organization. Do Srila Prabhupada's books belong to the BBT or His disciples?

If the books of Srila Prabhupada are to be, as claimed by many of his followers, "the law books for the next 10,000 years" then this copyright monopoly claimed by the BBT is very questionable and may become a great hindrance in the preaching mission of Srila Prabhupada's message in the decades and centuries to come.

Sources tell VNN that during the scrutiny that some of the "appointed" gurus underwent after the New Vrindavan meeting in 1985 some European leaders threatened to walk out of ISKCON with all the copyrights for Srila Prabhupada's books. Considering the known history of ISKCON leaders, to allow the exclusive rights over Srila Prabhupada's books to be owned by a single organization that is controlled by a few individuals can indeed turn out to be a very dangerous situation.