The Delhi High Court has granted an ex-parte ad-interim injunction in favor of Saregama India Ltd, restraining renowned musician Ilaiyaraaja from exploiting or licensing certain copyrighted sound recordings and musical works claimed by the company.
The order was passed by Justice Tushar Rao Gedela while hearing a commercial lawsuit filed by the music label on February 13, 2026.
Saregama told the court that it held copyright in a large catalog of film music and sound recordings in several Indian languages, based on assignment agreements executed with film producers between 1976 and 2001.
Add Zee News as favorite source
According to the company, these agreements granted exclusive, worldwide and perpetual rights to reproduce, license and commercially exploit the works that formed part of various cinematograph films.
The lawsuit alleges that in February 2026, Ilaiyaraaja began licensing the songs to third parties and uploading the songs to platforms such as Amazon Music, iTunes and JioSaavn, while also claiming ownership over the works.
Saregama argued that these acts amounted to infringement and created confusion about its legal title over the recordings.
Senior advocate Chander M. Lal, appearing for Saregama, argued that under the Copyright Act, filmmakers are considered as the first owners of music and sound recordings made for films, unless the contract states otherwise.
They relied on assignment agreements executed by the producers in favor of the company to claim Saregama’s exclusive rights on the works.
After examining the petition, documents and submissions, the court found that Saregama had made out a prima facie case. It was observed that the assignment agreements and the materials placed on record indicate that the balance of convenience was in favor of the plaintiff and continued exploitation may cause irreparable loss which cannot be compensated monetarily.
Accordingly, the Court restrained Ilaiyaraaja, his agents, licensees and associates from using, exploiting or issuing licenses or making any ownership claim over them in respect of sound recordings, musical and literary works forming part of the films listed in the annexure to the order.
The court also issued summons in the suit and directed the defendant to file a written statement within 30 days of receipt.
The reply to the interim injunction application is to be filed within four weeks, followed by the rejoinder, if any, within two weeks.
The matter has been listed before the Court on April 2, 2026, while the Joint Registrar will hear the matter on April 24, 2026 for service and completion of arguments.