The Delhi High Court has restrained legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja from using or exploiting his compositions in 134 films, following a copyright dispute with the music label Saregama. The ex-parte ad interim order, issued on February 13 by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, prevents Ilaiyaraaja from authorizing the use of these works, citing potential irreparable loss and injury to Saregama.

Saregama claims exclusive rights over the compositions through agreements with film producers covering works from 1976 to 2001. The dispute intensified after Ilaiyaraaja allegedly uploaded or authorized the use of several compositions on digital platforms such as Amazon Music, iTunes, and JioSaavn, which Saregama contends infringes on its copyright.

This injunction includes a range of compositions spanning multiple decades and follows earlier rulings, such as in the Tamil songEn Iniya Pon NilavefromMoodu Pani, where the High Court upheld Saregama’s rights. According to the label, the Copyright Act of 1957 and relevant Supreme Court judgments recognize film producers as the first owners of commissioned works unless otherwise specified, and their agreements granted Saregama perpetual, worldwide ownership of the sound recordings and compositions.

The legal dispute began after Ilaiyaraaja issued a notice in January asserting rights over several musical works, prompting Saregama to file the current case. The matter highlights ongoing challenges in balancing creators’ rights with contractual agreements and copyright ownership in the Indian music industry.