Ilaiyaraaja Faces Delhi High Court Notice in Saregama Copyright Dispute

Music composer Ilaiyaraaja, known for his prolific work in Indian cinema, is at the centre of a legal battle as the Delhi High Court has issued a notice to him in connection with a copyright dispute involving Saregama India. The dispute, which has been ongoing for several months, intensified after Saregama accused Ilaiyaraaja of violating an interim injunction that restricts him from exploiting or licensing certain songs, including those from 134 Tamil films.

Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani issued the notice, seeking Ilaiyaraaja's response to allegations that he continued to assert ownership and issue licences for works covered by the court's earlier order. Saregama claims that Ilaiyaraaja deliberately disobeyed the injunction passed in February, which also barred him from making ownership claims over these works to third parties.

One of the focal points in the dispute is the song 'Podhuvaga Emmanasu Thangam' from the Rajinikanth-starrer 'Murattukkaalai'. Saregama alleges that Ilaiyaraaja sent a legal notice to Beyond Pictures, demanding that the company obtain a licence or consent from him for the song, despite the Delhi High Court's restrictions. The company further asserts that Ilaiyaraaja filed a separate case in the Madras High Court regarding the same song, without initially informing the court about the ongoing Delhi proceedings. The interim order from the Madras High Court was later vacated after the Delhi case was brought to its attention.

Saregama has also provided evidence of the disputed songs being available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, and is seeking stronger action, including possible detention in civil prison and attachment of Ilaiyaraaja’s properties. These requests are pending before the court, and Ilaiyaraaja’s official response is awaited.