The ongoing legal battle over the digital usage rights of legendary composer Ilaiyaraaja’s music has once again come up for hearing at the Madras High Court, and the matter has now been postponed to january 20, 2026 for further proceedings.
The dispute, which has been pending for many years, began in 2010 when a Chennai‑based music company called Music Master filed a lawsuit claiming ownership of the audio rights to songs from more than 100 tamil films featuring Ilaiyaraaja’s compositions. The films cited in the case include well‑known titles such as Pandiyan, Guna, and Thevar Magan. music Master argued that the songs were licensed to a label run by Ilaiyaraaja’s wife and that various wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital platforms, including YouTube and social media sites, were streaming and using these tracks without proper authorisation, violating copyright law.
In earlier hearings, Ilaiyaraaja himself clarified that the contracts he signed in 1997 were limited to audio releases at that time and did not account for wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital or online uses, since platforms like YouTube did not exist then. He also maintained that he had not transferred full ownership of his compositions, granting only the right to use them within their respective films.
At the most recent hearing, veteran filmmaker R.K. Selvamani appeared in court to support Ilaiyaraaja, emphasising the composer’s authorship and continued creative control over his music. Selvamani stated that while producers can use songs in films, Ilaiyaraaja retains exclusive rights to his work, including how it is distributed or used digitally.
After recording these submissions, the court decided to adjourn the case to january 20, when further evidence and arguments will be heard. The outcome of this case is being closely watched, as it could have wide‑ranging implications for music copyright law and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital rights in the indian film industry.
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