The Delhi High Court has granted relief to Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman by lifting the restraining order issued against him over the song “Veera Raja Veera” from Mani Ratnam’s Ponniyin Selvan – Part 2.
The controversy arose after Padma award-winning Carnatic vocalist Ustad Fayaz Wasifuddin Thakur filed a copyright infringement suit, alleging that Rahman’s composition copied elements of “Shiva Stuti”, originally created by his grandfather and father. He sought damages, accusing Rahman of using the work without authorisation.
A single judge of the High Court had earlier directed Rahman to deposit ₹2 crore with the court registrar, including an interim compensation of ₹2 lakh to Thakur. Challenging the order, Rahman appealed to a division bench.
The matter was heard yesterday by Justice Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla. Rahman’s counsel argued that “Veera Raja Veera” was an original piece and bore no resemblance to “Shiva Stuti.”
After considering the submissions, the bench stayed the earlier ruling, noting that the injunction had been issued as a procedural safeguard since the appeal had been admitted. The judges clarified that they had not yet examined the songs and would conduct a detailed review during subsequent hearings.
With the interim stay in place, Rahman has secured temporary relief, though the copyright dispute remains pending before the court for final adjudication.
