Madras High Court Protects Ilaiyaraaja Personality Rights

The Madras High Court has issued an interim order protecting the personality rights of famous musician Ilaiyaraaja, preventing others from using his name, photos, or work without permission. Justice N. Senthilkumar found that there was a valid case in favour of Ilaiyaraaja and granted temporary relief in the case he filed to protect his personality rights. The court has asked the respondents to submit their response.

Ilaiyaraaja's petition stated that several media outlets and YouTube channels were using his photos and name to earn money without his consent. His image was being exploited commercially, and he was being used in memes and reels that occasionally carried defamatory remarks. The court recognized the personality rights of the legendary musician, granting an interim injunction restraining the unauthorized use of Ilaiyaraaja's photograph on social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and X.

The court directed the respondents, including YouTube channels, to file their replies and adjourned the matter. Ilaiyaraaja's petition seeks a direction to bar individuals and platforms from using his photograph, name, title, or voice without permission, and to remove photographs already uploaded online. The petition also seeks details of revenue earned by using his image without authorization.

The Madras High Court's decision recognizes the importance of protecting an individual's personality rights, especially in the digital age where unauthorized use of images and names can cause harm to one's reputation. The court's interim order provides relief to Ilaiyaraaja, and the case highlights the need for stronger protection of personality rights in India.