Will the Supreme Court Hear Wasifuddin Dagar's Plea Against A.R. Rahman Over the 'Ponniyin Selvan II' Song?
Synopsis
In a pivotal legal battle, Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar challenges A.R. Rahman in the Supreme Court over copyright claims related to the song "Veera Raja Veera" from "Ponniyin Selvan II". This case raises significant questions about authorship and copyright in the realm of classical music.
Key Takeaways
Supreme Court hearing on February 10.
Wasifuddin Dagar's plea against A.R.
Claims of copyright infringement on 'Shiva Stuti'.
Previous Delhi High Court ruling overturned.
Significance of performance rights in copyright law.
New Delhi, Feb 9 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is set to hear a plea tomorrow from renowned classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar against celebrated music composer A.R. Rahman. The vocalist claims that the song "Veera Raja Veera" from the Tamil film "Ponniyin Selvan II" draws inspiration from his family's traditional piece, "Shiva Stuti".
The cause list on the Supreme Court's official website indicates that the case will be presented before a bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, alongside Justices Joymalya Bagchi and N.V. Anjaria, on February 10.
Previously, the Delhi High Court ruled on September 24, 2025, overturning an interim decision that required Rahman and the film's producers to pay Rs 2 crore and amend song credits to acknowledge the Junior Dagar Brothers.
A division bench comprising Justices C. Hari Shankar and Om Prakash Shukla concluded that there was insufficient evidence to prove that the late Ustad N. Faiyazuddin Dagar and Ustad N. Zahiruddin Dagar—known as the Junior Dagar Brothers—were the creators of "Shiva Stuti".
The court emphasized the difference between performance rights and authorship, stating that "merely performing or recording a musical work does not automatically grant copyright to the underlying composition".
In nullifying the single-judge bench’s ruling, the Justice Hari Shankar-led Bench noted that the evidence presented by Wasifuddin Dagar, such as performance recordings and album inlays, at most indicated performance rights under the Copyright Act and could not substantiate claims of authorship.
Additionally, the court remarked 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. Granting exclusive copyright over such works could have serious repercussions for the guru-shishya parampara.
Frustrated by the cancellation of the interim relief, Wasifuddin Dagar has now taken his case to the Supreme Court, seeking to restore recognition and safeguard the moral and copyright interests of the Junior Dagar Brothers.
Point of View
The ongoing legal dispute between Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar and A.R. Rahman highlights the complexities surrounding copyright in the realm of classical music. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for artists and the preservation of traditional music heritage.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basis of Wasifuddin Dagar's plea?
Wasifuddin Dagar claims that A.R. Rahman's song 'Veera Raja Veera' is inspired by his family's traditional composition 'Shiva Stuti'.
When is the Supreme Court hearing scheduled?
The Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for February 10.
What was the Delhi High Court's previous ruling?
The Delhi High Court overturned an interim order requiring Rahman and the film's producers to compensate Dagar and amend song credits.
What does the court say about performance rights?
The court noted that mere performance does not grant copyright to the underlying composition.
What are the implications of this case?
This case could significantly impact copyright laws related to classical music and the protection of traditional compositions.
