The Madras High Court on Tuesday passed a verdict that composer Ilayaraja 'has a right over the songs composed by him for various films over the years.' The judgement came in lieu of a legal battle between the Isaignani and music label by the name Agi Music, wherein the former accused the latter of monetizing his compositions without his permission.

The High Court order means that songs composed by Ilayaraja cannot be used without his prior permission or due royalties in television reality shows, music concerts and radio channels; however the can be released/ screened in movie theaters.

The said hearing was a joint tribunal for cases filed by Ilayaraja in 2014 against labels like Agi Music, Echo Recording, Giri Trading Company and a few other labels for copyright infringement and by Agi Music in 2013 accusing Ilaiyaraaja of breaching the terms of an assignment agreement. The latter has been dismissed by the court.