New Delhi, Feb 13 (NationPress) The Supreme Court convened on Friday and postponed a plea submitted by the esteemed classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar to February 20. This plea is directed against music composer A.R. Rahman, who is accused of drawing inspiration for the song “Veera Raja Veera” from the traditional family composition “Shiva Stuti”, featured in the Tamil film “Ponniyin Selvan II”.

During the proceedings, a Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi remarked on the significant impact of the Dagarvani tradition on Indian classical music, emphasizing its esteemed history.

The CJI suggested that rather than delving into intricate legal matters, some form of acknowledgment could be beneficial. He stated, “There should be some acknowledgment. They are traditional worshippers of classical music. They are not in the competitive field. They want respect and recognition.”

Addressing senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, representing Rahman, the apex court remarked, “Your client is also a well-known composer.” Further adding, “If these gharanas had not contributed to the shastriya sangeet, do you think these modern singers would have managed?”

In response to the court's suggestions, Singhvi remarked, “I hear your lordship’s subtext. You are not on the law or the fight. My lords are now saying add that one line regarding performance. I will take instructions.”

The CJI Kant-led Bench has adjourned the case for further deliberation. Previously, the Delhi High Court had, on September 24, 2025, overturned an interim order mandating Rahman and the film’s producers to pay Rs 2 crore and to adjust song credits in favor of the Junior Dagar Brothers.

A division bench comprising Justices C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla concluded that there was insufficient prima facie evidence to prove that the late Ustad N. Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad N. Zahiruddin Dagar—widely recognized as the Junior Dagar Brothers—were the authors or composers of “Shiva Stuti”.

The Delhi High Court made a clear distinction between the rights of performers and authorship, indicating that “mere performance or fixation of a musical piece does not, by itself, confer copyright in the underlying composition.”

Overruling the single-judge Bench's decision, the Justice Hari Shankar-led Bench determined that the evidence presented by Wasifuddin Dagar, which included performance recordings and album inlays, at most indicated performance rights under copyright law and could not substantiate claims of authorship.

It was further noted that “Shiva Stuti” is part of the broader Dagarvani or Dhrupad tradition of Hindustani classical music, which has historically been passed down orally through generations. Recognizing exclusive copyright claims over such works could significantly impact the guru-shishya parampara.

Displeased with the annulment of interim relief, Wasifuddin Dagar has now escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking the reinstatement of acknowledgment and protection of the moral and copyright interests of the Junior Dagar Brothers.