Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Saregama Seeks Contempt Action Against Ilaiyaraaja Over Copyright Claims
Saregama India and composer Ilaiyaraaja are involved in a copyright disagreement.
Saregama says Ilaiyaraaja kept using songs covered by a court order.
The order concerns recordings and broadcasting rights for songs from 134 films.
Saregama says the songs were streamed on services such as Spotify and YouTube.
It also says Ilaiyaraaja claimed rights to a song from the film Murattukkaalai.
The company has asked the court to punish him for allegedly disobeying its order.
It wants his money and property frozen and some property sold to recover payment.
Ilaiyaraaja has been asked to respond to these accusations.
Saregama India has asked the Delhi High Court to initiate contempt proceedings against composer Ilaiyaraaja.
The company alleges that Ilaiyaraaja breached an injunction by using and claiming ownership of protected songs.
A February order said Ilaiyaraaja did not own recordings or commercial broadcasting rights for songs from 134 films.
Saregama is seeking Ilaiyaraaja’s imprisonment, asset freezing, and the sale of property to recover money.
The court has issued notice to Ilaiyaraaja, while a related Madras High Court order was reportedly vacated.
- Who
- Saregama India has brought the plea against composer Ilaiyaraaja.
- What
- Saregama is seeking contempt action, alleging that Ilaiyaraaja breached a copyright injunction.
- When
- The dispute includes a February order, a July 1 reaffirmation, and a fresh plea filed on Thursday.
- Where
- The contempt plea is before the Delhi High Court; related proceedings also occurred in the Madras High Court.
- Why
- Saregama alleges that Ilaiyaraaja continued commercially exploiting songs and claiming ownership despite the injunction.
- Court
- Delhi High Court
- Composer
- Ilaiyaraaja
- Music company
- Saregama India
- Films covered
- Songs from 134 films composed between 1976 and 2001
- Alleged platforms
- Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, iTunes and JioSaavn
- Saregama’s requested action
- Imprisonment, freezing of money and property, and appointment of an official to sell property
- Latest development
- The court issued notice to Ilaiyaraaja seeking his response