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Supreme Court Urges A.R. Rahman to Credit Dagar Tradition in 'Veera Raja Veera' Dispute

The bench said authorship must be proved with independent evidence, keeping a ₹2 crore deposit in place pending a February 20 hearing.

Overview

  • The Supreme Court asked Rahman and the Ponniyin Selvan II producers to include some acknowledgement of the Dagarvani contribution, suggesting reference to the Junior Dagar Brothers’ first performance.
  • Reviving an earlier single‑judge directive, the Court restored the requirement that ₹2 crore be deposited as security during the suit.
  • The judges noted that a prima facie case on originality has been shown but stressed that first performance does not establish authorship without independent proof.
  • Rahman’s counsel said he would take instructions on adding a credit line, while maintaining the defense that ‘Shiva Stuti’ is part of a traditional repertoire and that the film song is an original work.
  • The case stems from a Delhi High Court tussle in which initial interim credit and deposit orders were later set aside by a division bench, with the Supreme Court now adjourning further arguments to February 20.