Chennai: Chennai-based live music events organised by TVK Cultural Academy (TVK) have come under legal scrutiny following a copyright infringement suit filed by the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) before the Madras High Court.
The dispute relates to a series of live events organised by TVK across Chennai where musical works from the IPRS repertoire were allegedly performed without obtaining the required licences.
By an interim order dated April 29, 2026, the Madras High Court directed TVK to pay the applicable licence fees for the events “Isai Kondattam” scheduled on May 03, 2026 and “Nothing But Rajaa” scheduled on May 24, 2026, failing which the organiser would be restrained from conducting the events as planned.
The Court observed that both events were being organised without payment of the statutory l
icence fee to the Copyright Society. The order is also expected to benefit the legal heirs of noted creators including Vaalee and Veturi Sundararama Murthy, whose works continue to generate cultural and commercial value.
Rakesh Nigam, CEO, IPRS commented, “This order is another important step towards building a more compliant and equitable music ecosystem in India, where the rights of creators are not treated as optional, but as an integral part of doing business responsibly. Live events derive immense commercial and cultural value from music, and it is important that the lyricists, composers and publishers behind these works are recognised within that value chain. At IPRS, our approach has always been to engage, educate and encourage voluntary compliance across industries. Legal intervention is pursued only when repeated efforts towards lawful licensing do not yield resolution. The Hon’ble Madras High Court’s order reinforces a broader industry message that creator rights and fair licensing are fundamental to the long-term sustainability and credibility of India’s entertainment and live music economy.”
Additionally, Rakshit Talwar Head of Public Performance, IPRS said, “Music is one of the primary drivers of audience engagement and commercial value in live events, and its use cannot be treated as a procedural formality. The Hon’ble Madras High Court’s order reinforces the importance of prior authorisation for copyrighted music and encourages greater awareness and compliance across the live entertainment ecosystem.”
IPRS is India’s only registered copyright society for musical works and literary works associated with musical works. With a membership base of over 20,000 composers, lyricists and music publishers, its roster includes names such as A. R. Rahman, Javed Akhtar and Gulzar, along with music labels including Saregama, Sony Music and T-Series.
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