Composer Ilaiyaraaja wins landmark copyright battle

In a landmark judgment, the Madras High court has prohibited major music companies from monetising composer Ilaiyaraaja's songs without his permission. Reports say Justice Anita Sumanth ruled that the composer has what she titled “special moral rights” over 4,500 songs composed by him. In a civil suit filed by Ilaiyaraaja in 2014 against Agi Music, Echo Recording, Giri Trading Company and others, he claimed copyright infringement and unauthorised monetising of his songs in TV reality shows, concerts and online radio channels without his permission.