Saregama Moves Delhi High Court Against Ilaiyaraaja Over Copyright Row
Saregama has asked the Delhi High Court to take contempt action against Ilaiyaraaja, alleging that court orders were breached while disputed songs were being commercially used and licensed.
The copyright dispute involving music composer Ilaiyaraaja has taken another turn, with Saregama India Limited moving the Delhi High Court against him.
Saregama has filed a contempt petition, claiming that interim directions issued by the court were not followed. The company says songs over which it holds rights were allegedly being offered or transferred to third parties despite the restrictions.
The petition also mentions the use of songs on popular streaming and video platforms. Saregama has alleged that the court’s directions were not properly followed in relation to platforms such as Spotify and YouTube.
The company has also brought up the Murattukalai film song dispute. According to Saregama, orders passed by the Delhi High Court were not brought to the notice of the Madras High Court during related proceedings. It has alleged that this led to further orders being obtained without the complete picture being presented.
The Delhi High Court has taken note of the petition and issued a notice to Ilaiyaraaja. The composer will now have an opportunity to respond to the allegations raised by Saregama.
Saregama has asked the court to take strong action if it finds that its orders were deliberately ignored. Among its requests are attachment of Ilaiyaraaja’s assets and civil imprisonment.
The disagreement centres on the rights attached to songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja. The issue has raised questions over who can license, commercially exploit or otherwise use his musical works.
For Saregama, the latest petition is about more than the underlying copyright disagreement. The company is now alleging that earlier court directions themselves were breached, making the contempt proceedings a separate legal issue.
The court issuing a notice does not mean the allegations have been proved. Ilaiyaraaja’s response and the evidence presented by both sides will determine how the matter moves ahead.
The case is therefore likely to remain closely watched in the Tamil music and film industries, particularly because of the commercial value and popularity of the songs involved.
