Ilaiyaraaja Faces Legal Setback in Saregama Case

In the latest development in the copyright dispute between Saregama and veteran composer Ilaiyaraaja, the Delhi High Court restrained the composer from exploiting or issuing licences for Saregama’s copyrighted works, including sound recordings and musical works forming part of 134 cinematograph films released between 1976 and 2007.[1]

Last month, Ilaiyaraaja issued a legal notice asserting his rights over musical works he created, composed, arranged, and orchestrated for various films, including those forming the subject matter of the suit. Earlier this month, Saregama alleged that it discovered the works had been uploaded on platforms such as Amazon Music, iTunes and JioSaavn.

Saregama subsequently filed a suit alleging that the composer was granting unauthorised licences to third parties and asserting ownership over the works. It sought an ex parte ad interim injunction, claiming exclusive rights in the sound recordings and underlying works pursuant to assignment agreements executed with the respective film producers, and relying, in part, on inlay cards for the copyrighted works.

By order dated February 13, 2026, the Court held that Saregama had made out a prima facie case and restrained Ilaiyaraaja and his representatives from exploiting or licensing the works or making ownership claims to third parties, pending further proceedings. The matter is listed next on April 2, 2026.

The order was passed at the interim stage on Saregama’s injunction plea, with the main suit still pending. The dispute highlights the layered nature of music rights in Indian cinema and could have broader implications for how composers, producers, and labels structure and enforce them.

[1] Saregama India Limited v. Ilaiyaraaja, I.A. 4116/2026 in CS(COMM) 143/2026