Ever since Bally Sagoo convincingly popularised Bollywood and Bhangra remixes almost every Asian producer and DJ, including Rishi Rich before the days of Jay Sean and Juggy D, has since followed.

This fusion has seen Asian sounds mixed with everything from Ragga, Jungle and UK Garage to Hip-hop over the years, culminating ultimately with the worldwide success of Panjabi MC.

But could this now change if the big Asian record labels get cold feet over unlicensed samples? Who wants to be sued and brought to their knees over one bootlegged album?

A whole can of worms has potentially opened. Although the BPI does not interfere with what gets played on radio or music television, other industry bodies may pay more attention to the burgeoning Asian music industry.

"Definitely, and without a doubt, this has shaken up the industry in a big way," one prominent DJ said. "It might stop people entirely from relying on samples."

According to some industry insiders the problem is that remixed music sometimes sells better than original Bhangra music. So those looking to make a quick buck might be tempted again.

"There are loads of 'Walmart' Bhangra labels out there, who just stack 'em and rack 'em," another industry source told AiM. "It just has to stop. Some of these producers put out 2-3 albums a year. It's like battery-Bhangra-farming."

He added half-jokingly: "You'll need the Real Music Liberation Front to break into these studios and free some of these producers."

Others say that the major record labels are themselves partly to blame. A source who previously worked at a major mainstream label told AiM that some labels looked the other way when they knew the beats were being copied by smaller producers, just so it could create hype for their music.

Another said: "I'm sure they don't return most of the calls anyway. It would be like: 'oh there is this Bhangra album which is going to sell 5,000 copies or so, we don't really care'. That is their attitude."

Meanwhile it is difficult to predict what will happen to the parties currently involved. DJ Sanj is under contract with EnvyRoma, a prominent music label, which has complicated the issue.

Is Bootleg Recordings, the label named on the album Authorised, affiliated with EnvyRoma? It is a question some are asking in the industry. Representatives of EnvyRoma did not return calls when asked to clarify their position.

Some within the industry say that though DJ Sanj was under contract, it does not mean he could not have worked with others.

"At least Envy has put out some of the best Bhangra in recent years, with Rouge, Zeus, Dj Sanj and of course Swami. At least there is balance with EnvyRoma. With some record labels there is no balance," said one in defence of the label.

However others were not so forgiving. A message posted on another website said: "Envy have no-one to blame but themselves... They are home to some of the biggest names in Bhangra. They are a professional record company... Not getting clearance for samples, especially commercially huge songs is just asking for it."

There is speculation now that the parties implicated by the BPI have decided to settle the matter with the industry body rather than contest the charge. A statement by the BPI is expected very soon.

One consequence is very likely: the BBC Asian Network won't be calling up DJ Sanj for a presenting slot anytime soon.