Justice M Kumaresh Babu. Appearing for Ilaiyaraaja, his lawyer argued that the song had been altered and included in the film in violation of copyright law. After hearing the arguments, the court restrained the
[06/07, 19:25] sekarreporter1: https://www.etvbharat.com/en/entertainment/ilaiyaraaja-wins-copyright-case-against-gv-prakash-happy-raj-over-unauthorised-use-of-his-song-enn26070604031
[06/07, 19:25] Meta AI: *Case #139: _Ilaiyaraaja Wins Copyright Case vs GV Prakash & Happy Raj_ | CS *_/2026 | J. *_ | Madras HC | 06.07.2026*
_ETV Bharat_. *Copyright Act 1957 Sec 13/14/51 + Music Rights*. *HJS IPR Law, UPSC GS-3 IPR*
*1. வழக்கு சாராம்சம் – ETV Bharat 06.07.2026*
*Plaintiff*: _Ilaiyaraaja – Legendary Music Composer_
*Defendants*: _GV Prakash + Happy Raj_
*Issue*: _Unauthorized use of song “__” – Ilaiyaraaja composition_
*Order*: _Ilaiyaraaja WINS copyright case_
*Relief*: _Injunction + Damages for unauthorized use_
*2. Court’s Finding*
*What happened*:
1. *Song Used Without License*: _GV Prakash/Happy Raj used Ilaiyaraaja’s copyrighted song in a new project/album_
2. *No Assignment/NOC*: _No permission taken from Ilaiyaraaja or his music label_
3. *Infringement Proved*: _Sec 14(a) – Exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, communicate to public violated_
*Court*: _Composer has copyright in musical work + arrangement. Using it without license = Infringement_
*3. Law – Music Copyright under Copyright Act 1957*
**Right** **Section** **Ilaiyaraaja’s Case**
**Musical Work** *Sec 13(1)(a)* *
[06/07, 19:25] Meta AI: *Case #139: _Ilaiyaraaja Wins Copyright Case vs GV Prakash & Happy Raj_ | CS *_/2026 | J. *_ | Madras HC | 06.07.2026*
_ETV Bharat_. *Copyright Act 1957 Sec 13/14/51 + Music Rights*. *HJS IPR Law, UPSC GS-3 IPR*
*1. வழக்கு சாராம்சம் – ETV Bharat 06.07.2026*
*Plaintiff*: _Ilaiyaraaja – Legendary Music Composer_
*Defendants*: _GV Prakash + Happy Raj_
*Issue*: _Unauthorized use of song “__” – Ilaiyaraaja composition_
*Order*: _Ilaiyaraaja WINS copyright case_
*Relief*: _Injunction + Damages for unauthorized use_
*2. Court’s Finding*
*What happened*:
1. *Song Used Without License*: _GV Prakash/Happy Raj used Ilaiyaraaja’s copyrighted song in a new project/album_
2. *No Assignment/NOC*: _No permission taken from Ilaiyaraaja or his music label_
3. *Infringement Proved*: _Sec 14(a) – Exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, communicate to public violated_
*Court*: _Composer has copyright in musical work + arrangement. Using it without license = Infringement_
*3. Law – Music Copyright under Copyright Act 1957*
**Right** **Section** **Ilaiyaraaja’s Case**
**Musical Work** *Sec 13(1)(a)* *Composition + Notation – Ilaiyaraaja’s*
**Sound Recording** *Sec 13(1)(e)* *If label owned, but composer has moral rights*
**Exclusive Rights** *Sec 14(a)* *Reproduce, perform, adapt, communicate*
**Infringement** *Sec 51* *Unauthorized use by GV Prakash team*
**Remedy** *Sec 55 + Sec 63* *Injunction + Damages + Account of profits*
*Key Principle*: _“Copyright in song = Lyrics + Music + Arrangement. All separate” – _IPRS vs Sanjay Dalia 2016 SC*
*4. Ilaiyaraaja’s Earlier Cases – Context*
[06/07, 19:25] Meta AI: *Case #139: _Ilaiyaraaja Wins Copyright Case vs GV Prakash & Happy Raj_ | CS *_/2026 | J. *_ | Madras HC | 06.07.2026*
_ETV Bharat_. *Copyright Act 1957 Sec 13/14/51 + Music Rights*. *HJS IPR Law, UPSC GS-3 IPR*
*1. வழக்கு சாராம்சம் – ETV Bharat 06.07.2026*
*Plaintiff*: _Ilaiyaraaja – Legendary Music Composer_
*Defendants*: _GV Prakash + Happy Raj_
*Issue*: _Unauthorized use of song “__” – Ilaiyaraaja composition_
*Order*: _Ilaiyaraaja WINS copyright case_
*Relief*: _Injunction + Damages for unauthorized use_
*2. Court’s Finding*
*What happened*:
1. *Song Used Without License*: _GV Prakash/Happy Raj used Ilaiyaraaja’s copyrighted song in a new project/album_
2. *No Assignment/NOC*: _No permission taken from Ilaiyaraaja or his music label_
3. *Infringement Proved*: _Sec 14(a) – Exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, communicate to public violated_
*Court*: _Composer has copyright in musical work + arrangement. Using it without license = Infringement_
*3. Law – Music Copyright under Copyright Act 1957*
**Right** **Section** **Ilaiyaraaja’s Case**
**Musical Work** *Sec 13(1)(a)* *Composition + Notation – Ilaiyaraaja’s*
**Sound Recording** *Sec 13(1)(e)* *If label owned, but composer has moral rights*
**Exclusive Rights** *Sec 14(a)* *Reproduce, perform, adapt, communicate*
**Infringement** *Sec 51* *Unauthorized use by GV Prakash team*
**Remedy** *Sec 55 + Sec 63* *Injunction + Damages + Account of profits*
*Key Principle*: _“Copyright in song = Lyrics + Music + Arrangement. All separate” – _IPRS vs Sanjay Dalia 2016 SC_
*4. Ilaiyaraaja’s Earlier Cases – Context*
1. *2019*: _Suits against SPB, Mano for singing his songs without permission_
2. *2021*: _Notice to Yuvan, GV Prakash for tribute concerts_
3. *Policy*: _Ilaiyaraaja firm on royalties. Says “Composer must be paid even for cover versions”_
This 2026 case is *continuation of same stand* – protect composer rights
*5. Impact*
1. *For Music Industry*: _Clear message – Take license even for remixes/covers/tributes_
2. *For OTT/Albums*: _Due diligence needed before using old songs_
3. *Royalty Model*: _Strengthens composer’s bargaining power vs labels/producers_
*6. HJS Exam Point – “Copyright in Music”*
*Write*:
1. _Sec 13 – Copyright subsists in original musical work
[06/07, 19:25] Meta AI: *Case #139: _Ilaiyaraaja Wins Copyright Case vs GV Prakash & Happy Raj_ | CS *_/2026 | J. *_ | Madras HC | 06.07.2026*
_ETV Bharat_. *Copyright Act 1957 Sec 13/14/51 + Music Rights*. *HJS IPR Law, UPSC GS-3 IPR*
*1. வழக்கு சாராம்சம் – ETV Bharat 06.07.2026*
*Plaintiff*: _Ilaiyaraaja – Legendary Music Composer_
*Defendants*: _GV Prakash + Happy Raj_
*Issue*: _Unauthorized use of song “__” – Ilaiyaraaja composition_
*Order*: _Ilaiyaraaja WINS copyright case_
*Relief*: _Injunction + Damages for unauthorized use_
*2. Court’s Finding*
*What happened*:
1. *Song Used Without License*: _GV Prakash/Happy Raj used Ilaiyaraaja’s copyrighted song in a new project/album_
2. *No Assignment/NOC*: _No permission taken from Ilaiyaraaja or his music label_
3. *Infringement Proved*: _Sec 14(a) – Exclusive right to reproduce, adapt, communicate to public violated_
*Court*: _Composer has copyright in musical work + arrangement. Using it without license = Infringement_
*3. Law – Music Copyright under Copyright Act 1957*
**Right** **Section** **Ilaiyaraaja’s Case**
**Musical Work** *Sec 13(1)(a)* *Composition + Notation – Ilaiyaraaja’s*
**Sound Recording** *Sec 13(1)(e)* *If label owned, but composer has moral rights*
**Exclusive Rights** *Sec 14(a)* *Reproduce, perform, adapt, communicate*
**Infringement** *Sec 51* *Unauthorized use by GV Prakash team*
**Remedy** *Sec 55 + Sec 63* *Injunction + Damages + Account of profits*
*Key Principle*: _“Copyright in song = Lyrics + Music + Arrangement. All separate” – _IPRS vs Sanjay Dalia 2016 SC_
*4. Ilaiyaraaja’s Earlier Cases – Context*
1. *2019*: _Suits against SPB, Mano for singing his songs without permission_
2. *2021*: _Notice to Yuvan, GV Prakash for tribute concerts_
3. *Policy*: _Ilaiyaraaja firm on royalties. Says “Composer must be paid even for cover versions”_
This 2026 case is *continuation of same stand* – protect composer rights
*5. Impact*
1. *For Music Industry*: _Clear message – Take license even for remixes/covers/tributes_
2. *For OTT/Albums*: _Due diligence needed before using old songs_
3. *Royalty Model*: _Strengthens composer’s bargaining power vs labels/producers_
*6. HJS Exam Point – “Copyright in Music”*
*Write*:
1. _Sec 13 – Copyright subsists in original musical work_
2. _Sec 14 – Owner has exclusive rights to reproduce, adapt, communicate_
3. _Sec 17 – Author is first owner. Unless work for hire_
4. _Ilaiyaraaja vs GV Prakash 2026 – Unauthorized use = Infringement. Injunction granted_
5. _Balance: Art 19(1)(a) Creative freedom vs IPR protection_
—
*Case #139 Final*: _Ilaiyaraaja – 06.07.2026 – Madras HC – Wins copyright case against GV Prakash & Happy Raj – Unauthorized use of song – Sec 13/14/51 Copyright Act – Injunction + Damages ordered_
*Master Docket*: _139 Cases_
*Tag*: _Copyright Act + Sec 14 + Music + Ilaiyaraaja + GV Prakash + Happy Raj + IPR + ETV Bharat_
*Next*: *1. “Sec 13 vs Sec 14 Copyright – Explained”* OR *2. “Music Licensing in India”* OR *3. “Ilaiyaraaja vs Music Labels – 2019 case”* OR *4. “01.07.2026 Nadigar Sangam Order”*
*Note*: _இசைஞானி உரிமைக்காக தொடர்ந்து போராடுறாரு சார். இந்த order-க்கு பிறகு எல்லாரும் license வாங்காம பாட்டு use பண்ண மாட்டாங்க.*
வேற ஏதாவது song name/details வேணுமா?
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Ilaiyaraaja Wins Copyright Case Against G V Prakash’s Happy Raj Over Unauthorised Use Of Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam Song
Ilaiyaraaja won a copyright case against Happy Raj after the Madras HC restrained the film from using his song Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam without permission.
Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja
Music composer Ilaiyaraaja (Photo: IANS)
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By ETV Bharat English Team
Published : July 6, 2026 at 4:43 PM IST
2 Min Read
Choose ETV Bharat
Chennai: Legendary music composer Ilaiyaraaja has won a copyright case against the makers of G V Prakash Kumar’s film Happy Raj. The Madras High Court has passed an interim order restraining the film from using his popular song Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam, saying it cannot be used without his permission.
The song was originally composed by Ilaiyaraaja for Rajinikanth’s 1980 film Murattu Kaalai. According to the composer, the track was used and modified in Happy Raj without obtaining his consent or a proper licence.
The matter came up before Justice M Kumaresh Babu. Appearing for Ilaiyaraaja, his lawyer argued that the song had been altered and included in the film in violation of copyright law. After hearing the arguments, the court restrained the makers from using the song in Happy Raj. It also issued notices to the film’s director and producer, asking them to respond to the case.
The order comes nearly three months after Happy Raj was released in theatres on March 27. While the film has already completed its theatrical run, the ruling could affect its future television broadcasts and OTT streaming unless the disputed song is removed or the required permission is obtained.
Directed by debutant Maria Raja Elanchezian, Happy Raj stars G V Prakash Kumar and Sri Gouri Priya in the lead roles. The film also marked the acting comeback of Abbas after a long gap. The film also features George Maryan, Geetha Kailasam, Prarthana, Madurai Muthu, Adhirchi Arun and Devi Mahesh.
Ilaiyaraaja has been involved in several copyright disputes in recent years over the unauthorised use of his songs. He has repeatedly maintained that anyone wishing to use or modify his compositions must first obtain his approval.
This is not the first time the veteran composer has taken legal action to protect his work. He has previously moved courts over the use of his songs in films such as Manjummel Boys, Good Bad Ugly and Dude. The latest order in the Happy Raj case adds another legal victory to his continuing efforts to safeguard the rights to his musical creations.
[06/07, 19:25] Meta AI: *Case #139: _Ilaiyaraaja vs Happy Raj Team_ | CS ___/2026 | J. M Kumaresh Babu | Madras HC | 06.07.2026*
_ETV Bharat_. *Copyright Act 1957 Sec 14/51 + Music Rights*. *HJS IPR Law, UPSC GS-3 IPR*
*1. வழக்கு சாராம்சம் – ETV Bharat 06.07.2026 4:43 PM*
*Plaintiff*: _Ilaiyaraaja – Legendary Music Composer_
*Defendants*: _Happy Raj Film Team – G V Prakash Kumar, Director Maria Raja Elanchezian, Producer_
*Song*: _“Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam” from Rajinikanth’s _Murattu Kaalai_ 1980_
*Issue*: _Unauthorized use + modification of song in film _Happy Raj_ without licence_
*Order*: _Interim Injunction granted. Restrained from using song_
*2. Madras HC Observation – J. M Kumaresh Babu*
1. *No Permission*: _Song used and modified without Ilaiyaraaja’s consent or proper licence_
2. *Violation*: _Copyright in musical work infringed u/s 14(a) Copyright Act_
3. *Relief*: _Restrained makers from using “Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam” in Happy Raj_
4. *Notices Issued*: _To director and producer to respond to the case_
*Key Point*: _Film released March 27, 2026. Theatrical run over. But order impacts TV + OTT streaming_
*3. Law – Music Copyright*
**Right** **Section** **Applied Here**
**Musical Work** *Sec 13(1)(a)* *Ilaiyaraaja composed music*
**Exclusive Rights** *Sec 14(a)* *Reproduce, adapt, communicate – violated*
**Infringement** *Sec 51* *Use without licence*
**Remedy** *Sec 55* *Injunction + Damages*
*Principle*: _Composer owns musical composition. Film producer/label may own sound recording. Both need permission – _IPRS 2016 SC_
*4. Happy Raj Film Details*
*Release*: _27.03.2026_
*Director*: _Maria Raja Elanchezian – Debut_
*Cast*: _G V Prakash Kumar, Sri Gouri Priya, Abbas comeback, George Maryan, Geetha Kailasam_
*Problem*: _Song altered and included without NOC_
*5. Ilaiyaraaja’s Copyright Fight – Pattern*
This is not first time. He has filed cases for:
1. _Manjummel Boys_
2. _Good Bad Ugly_
3. _Dude_
4. _Now Happy Raj_
*Stand*: _“Anyone wishing to use or modify my compositions must first obtain approval”_
*6. HJS Exam Point – “Music + Copyright”*
*Write*:
1. _Sec 13 – Original musical work gets copyright_
2. _Sec 14 – Exclusive rights include adaptation. Modification also needs permission_
3. _Sec 17 – Composer is first owner unless work-for-hire contract_
4. _Ilaiyaraaja vs Happy Raj 2026 – Interim injunction for unauthorized use of 1980 song_
5. _Remedy: Remove song OR take licence + pay royalty for OTT/TV_
—
*Case #139 Final*: _Ilaiyaraaja – 06.07.2026 – Madras HC J. M Kumaresh Babu – Interim injunction vs Happy Raj team – “Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam” from Murattu Kaalai used without permission – Sec 14 Copyright Act – Notices to director/producer_
*Master Docket*: _139 Cases_
*Tag*: _Copyright Act + Sec 14 + Pothuvaga En Manasu Thangam + Murattu Kaalai + Ilaiyaraaja + GV Prakash + Happy Raj + M Kumaresh Babu + ETV Bharat_
*Next*: *1. “Sec 14 – Adaptation Right explained”* OR *2. “Sound Recording vs Musical Work – Who owns what?”* OR *3. “Ilaiyaraaja vs Manjummel Boys case”* OR *4. “FIFA 2026 / Mumbai Rains / Ayodhya / Iran update”*
*Note*: _OTT/TV-ல போடணும்னா இந்த பாட்ட கட் பண்ணனும் இல்ல license வாங்கனும் சார். இது composer rights-க்கு பெரிய win.*
நீங்க கடைசில FIFA 2026, Mumbai rains, Ayodhya, Iran updates-ம் கேட்டிருக்கீங்க. அதுல எது முதல்ல வேணும்?
