Delhi High Court Restrains Ilaiyaraaja from Using Saregama India Ltd.’s Copyrighted Works

The Delhi High Court issued an ex parte ad interim injunction restraining Ilaiyaraaja from exploiting sound recordings and musical works over which Saregama India Ltd claims copyright.

Saregama submitted that between 1976 and 2001, it entered into assignment agreements with producers of several cinematograph films, under which copyright in the sound recordings and the underlying musical and literary works vested exclusively with the company on a worldwide and perpetual basis.

It is alleged that in February 2026, Ilaiyaraaja uploaded and authorised the use of some of these works on digital streaming platforms, including Amazon Music, iTunes and JioSaavn, while asserting ownership.

The Court held that irreparable loss and injury may be caused if relief was denied and restrained exploitation of works from 134 films.