AR Rahman's Legal Team Issues Clarification on Supreme Court Credit Matter
In a significant development regarding the ongoing legal dispute over the song 'Veera Raja Veera' from the blockbuster film Ponniyin Selvan II, music director AR Rahman's advocate has issued a detailed clarification. This comes a day after reports emerged suggesting Rahman had informed the Supreme Court about his willingness to display late Ustad M Faiyazuddin Dagar and his nephew in the credits for the composition.
Advocate Narmadha Sampath's Official Statement
Rahman's advocate, Narmadha Sampath, released a comprehensive note to the media addressing the situation. The clarification emphasizes that the claims of authorship by the junior Dagar Brothers over the composition 'Shiva Stuti' and the allegations of copyright infringement have been categorically denied and disputed in court proceedings. Sampath stated that these positions, as upheld by the division bench of the Delhi High Court, remain fully intact and unaffected by the recent clarification regarding credits presented before the Supreme Court.
Supreme Court's Disposition of the Special Leave Petition
The Supreme Court has disposed of the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, who was challenging the judgment of the Delhi High Court's division bench. Importantly, the apex court did not interfere with the Delhi High Court's judgment and has not expressed any view on the merits of the dispute itself. According to Sampath, during the hearing, the Supreme Court encouraged both parties to explore an amicable resolution to the matter.
Context of the Credit Clarification
In the context of seeking an amicable resolution, it was indicated that the existing credit accompanying the composition would be supplemented. The credit, which had previously acknowledged the Dagarvani Dhrupad tradition across all platforms, would now state that the junior Dagar Brothers were the first to record the composition 'Shiva Stuti'. Sampath pointed out that this acknowledgment of the Dagarvani tradition was a pre-existing and voluntary credit that was reflected well before any legal proceedings were initiated and independent of any interim orders passed in the suit.
Legal Proceedings Remain Active
The advocate's note makes it clear that in the suit proceedings still pending before the Delhi High Court, the claims of authorship by the junior Dagar Brothers over the composition and the allegations of copyright infringement continue to be categorically denied and disputed. All questions relating to authorship, originality, and alleged infringement remain open until proven in court and will be determined strictly in accordance with the law. The clarification concludes by reaffirming that the legal positions established by the Delhi High Court remain unchanged despite the Supreme Court's encouragement for resolution.
