Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Delhi High Court Bars Ilaiyaraaja From Exploiting or Licensing Works Claimed by Saregama

The ex-parte order covers music from 134 films, preserving the status quo until April hearings.

Overview

  • Justice Tushar Rao Gedela granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction on February 13 restraining Ilaiyaraaja and those acting for him from exploiting, licensing or asserting ownership over the works listed in the court annexure.
  • The restrained catalogue spans music tied to about 134 films across multiple Indian languages, covering sound recordings as well as underlying literary and musical works.
  • Saregama told the court it acquired exclusive, worldwide and perpetual rights through assignment agreements with film producers executed between 1976 and 2001.
  • The suit followed allegations that in early February 2026 Ilaiyaraaja uploaded or authorised disputed tracks on Amazon Music, iTunes and JioSaavn while claiming ownership.
  • The court found a prima facie case and directed procedural filings, with the matter listed before the High Court on April 2, 2026 and before the Joint Registrar on April 24, 2026.