Ilaiyaraaja Takes Music Companies to Madras High Court Over Unauthorized Use of His Songs

Strategic Insights -

Noted music composer Ilaiyaraaja has moved the Madras High Court against Sony Music and other music companies, alleging that they are using and distorting his songs without authorization. Ranganathan and Baiju's Dude, a film, has used a portion of Ilaiyaraaja's song "Karutha Machan" from the 1991 film Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu, among others. Ilaiyaraaja's advocate, Senior Advocate S Prabakaran, argued that the music companies are cheating Ilaiyaraaja by using his songs without permission and compromising their originality. The court has directed Sony Music to provide day-to-day accounts of revenue generated through the streaming of Ilaiyaraaja's songs.

Key Takeaways:

  • Ilaiyaraaja has filed a petition against Sony Music and other music companies in the Madras High Court, alleging unauthorized use and distortion of his songs.
  • The song "Karutha Machan" from the 1991 film Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu was used in the film Dude without Ilaiyaraaja's consent.
  • Senior Advocate S Prabakaran argued that the music companies are cheating Ilaiyaraaja by using his songs without permission and compromising their originality.
  • The court has directed Sony Music to provide day-to-day accounts of revenue generated through the streaming of Ilaiyaraaja's songs.
  • The case was heard before Justice N Senthilkumar, who decided to wait for the Supreme Court's decision in a related matter before proceeding with the case.
  • Prabakaran objected to the music company's request to submit revenue details in a sealed cover, citing the Supreme Court's criticism of this practice.

Statistics:

  • The single "Karutha Machan" from the film Pudhu Nellu Pudhu Naathu was used in the film Dude without Ilaiyaraaja's consent.
  • The court has ordered Sony Music to provide day-to-day accounts of revenue generated through the streaming of Ilaiyaraaja's songs.
  • The case was heard on Wednesday, October 22, before Justice N Senthilkumar.

Sources:

  • Live Law
  • Hindustan Times