The Delhi High Court issued an interim order on Friday in a copyright infringement case filed by Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar, noted classical singer, against Oscar-winning music composer A R Rahman. Dagar claimed the song Veera Raja Veera from Ponniyin Selvan 2 was nearly identical to his father and uncle’s composition, Shiva Stuti, with only minor changes.

The court directed Rahman and Madras Talkies to correct the song credits, acknowledging Nasir Zahiruddin and Nasir Faiyazuddin Dagar as the song’s original creators. The duo was not initially credited, despite the song’s resemblance to Shiva Stuti.

The court also ordered Rahman and the production company to deposit Rs. 2 crore in the court registry and Rs. 2 lakh as costs to the Dagars. The revised credits on OTT and online platforms will now read, “Composition based on Shiva Stuti by late Ustad N Faiyazuddin Dagar and late Ustad Zahiruddin Dagar.”

Justice Prathiba M Singh emphasised that Hindustani classical music, as long as it is original, is protected under copyright law.