Archive · 26 Sep 2025
Madras HC Orders Sony to Disclose Ilaiyaraaja Song Revenue
Famous music composer Ilaiyaraaja is in a legal dispute about his songs.
He's asking the court to say that he owns the rights to his music, not Sony Music.
The court wants to know how much money Sony is making from playing his songs on the radio and TV.
So, the court told Sony to show how much money they make each day from Ilaiyaraaja's songs.
Ilaiyaraaja says he has the right to his songs, including making changes or remixes.
Sony argues they own some rights because they bought them.
The court will hear more arguments about who owns what.
The Madras High Court has ordered Sony Music Entertainment to reveal daily revenue from Ilaiyaraaja's songs.
The case concerns Ilaiyaraaja's claim to copyright over his musical works.
Ilaiyaraaja seeks to prevent Sony from broadcasting or telecasting his songs.
The court believes revenue details are necessary to decide the matter.
Sony argues they possess rights acquired from the original purchase of rights.
- Who
- Madras High Court and Ilaiyaraaja, the composer, and Sony Music Entertainment.
- What
- The Madras High Court directed Sony to provide details on the daily revenue generated from Ilaiyaraaja's songs.
- When
- The direction was issued on Friday. The next hearing is scheduled for October 22.
- Where
- The Madras High Court.
- Why
- To determine the rights and copyright issues related to Ilaiyaraaja's music.
Ilayaraja's Perspective
Sony Music Entertainment's Perspective
Copyright Ownership
Ilayaraja's Perspective
Ilayaraja claims ownership of all his compositions, retaining all rights, including moral rights.
Sony Music Entertainment's Perspective
Sony argues they own the rights to some of Ilaiyaraaja's works through previous acquisitions.
Modification of Works
Ilayaraja's Perspective
Ilayaraja asserts that his rights include protection against modifications that harm his reputation.
Sony Music Entertainment's Perspective
Sony contends the author can only claim damages for modifications affecting their reputation.
- Court
- Madras High Court
- Party 1
- Ilayaraja
- Party 2
- Sony Music Entertainment
- Subject
- Copyright of Ilaiyaraaja's songs
- Direction
- Sony to provide daily revenue details
- Hearing Date
- October 22