Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Ilaiyaraaja

The Delhi High Court has issued a notice to veteran music composer Ilaiyaraaja over a contempt petition filed by music company Saregama. The company has alleged that he is violating the court’s earlier stay orders by commercially using songs for which it claims to hold copyright. Saregama told the court that Ilaiyaraaja was continuing to assert rights over and commercially exploit songs from several films despite the restrictions imposed by the court.

In its latest petition, Saregama has sought contempt proceedings against Ilaiyaraaja for allegedly wilfully disobeying the stay order. The company has also requested the court to attach his assets and direct that the proceeds from their sale be paid to it. After taking up the petition, the Delhi High Court directed Ilaiyaraaja to respond to the allegations and issued him a notice. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing.