Two Chennai-based live music events have come under legal scrutiny over music licensing compliance, after the Indian Performing Right Society Ltd. (IPRS) secured an interim order from the Madras High Court against event organiser TVK Cultural Academy (TVK).
The dispute relates to a series of events organised by TVK in Chennai where musical works from the IPRS repertoire were allegedly performed without obtaining the required licences.
In its interim order dated April 29, 2026, the Madras High Court directed TVK to pay the applicable licence fee for the events Isai Kondattam (held on May 3, 2026) and Nothing But Rajaa (scheduled for May 24, 2026), failing which the organiser would be restrained from conducting the events.
The Court observed that both events were being organised without payment of statutory licence fees to the copyright society. The ruling is also expected to benefit the legal heirs of creators including Vaalee and Veturi Sundararama Murthy, whose works continue to generate cultural and commercial value.
Commenting on the order, Rakesh Nigam, CEO of IPRS, said, “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.”
Nigam added that IPRS continues to prioritise engagement and awareness around music licensing, with legal action pursued only after attempts at voluntary compliance fail.
“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,” he said.
Rakshit Talwar, Head of Public Performance at IPRS, said the ruling underlines the importance of obtaining prior authorisation for the use of copyrighted music at live events.
“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,” Talwar said. “The order encourages greater awareness and compliance across the live entertainment ecosystem.”
IPRS is a registered copyright society representing musical and literary works associated with music. Its membership includes more than 20,000 composers, lyricists and music publishers, including creators such as A.R. Rahman, Javed Akhtar and Gulzar, alongside music companies such as Saregama, Sony Music and T-Series.
