Delhi HC Refuses To Vacate Injunction Against Ilaiyaraaja In Saregama Copyright Dispute Over 134 Films

The Delhi High Court has refused to vacate its interim injunction restraining veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja from exploiting or licensing songs and musical works from 134 films at the centre of an ongoing copyright dispute with Saregama India. The ruling means the interim protection granted to Saregama will remain in force until the court delivers its final judgment.

Justice Tushar Rao Gedela upheld the earlier interim order, preventing Ilaiyaraaja from using, licensing, or claiming ownership over the disputed sound recordings and underlying literary and musical works that Saregama says it owns through assignment agreements executed with film producers between 1976 and 2001.

The dispute covers music from 134 films, including celebrated titles such as 16 Vayathiniley, Mullum Malarum, Pallavi Anu Pallavi, Netrikkann, and Raaja Paarvai. Saregama contends that it acquired worldwide copyright in these works through agreements with the original producers and remains the lawful rights holder.

According to the music label, the latest legal action was prompted after it allegedly discovered the composer had uploaded songs from the disputed catalogue to digital platforms, including Amazon Music, iTunes and JioSaavn, while also asserting ownership over the works. The company further cited a legal notice issued by Ilaiyaraaja in January 2026 claiming rights over musical works composed by him across various films.

In its earlier interim order, the court had observed that Saregama had established a prima facie case and that allowing the alleged use of the disputed works could result in irreparable harm. By refusing to lift the injunction, the court has allowed those restrictions to continue pending a final decision in the case.

The case is being closely watched by the Indian music industry, as its eventual outcome is expected to have significant implications for copyright ownership, licensing practices, and the rights of composers and music labels over film music.