Saregama has filed a contempt petition in the Delhi High Court seeking attachment of composer Ilaiyaraaja’s movable and immovable assets, alleging repeated violation of court directions in an ongoing copyright dispute.
The company claims rights over certain film songs composed by Ilaiyaraaja. In the related case, the High Court on February 13 issued an interim restraint, directing that Ilaiyaraaja or his representatives should not use songs for which Saregama holds copyright.
Ilaiyaraaja’s plea to vacate the restraint was dismissed by the High Court on July 1. Saregama now alleges that despite this, he has continued to object to the streaming of the disputed songs on digital platforms such as Spotify and YouTube, asserting that the copyright belongs to him.
In its petition, Saregama also cited a notice allegedly sent by Ilaiyaraaja to Beyond Pictures regarding the song “Pothuvaaga En Manasu Thangam” from the Tamil film Murattu Kaalai, insisting that a licence or consent be obtained from him. The company sought punitive action including imprisonment, attachment and sale of assets, and appointment of a special officer.
Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani, after hearing the plea, directed that notice be issued to Ilaiyaraaja to respond to the allegations raised by Saregama.
