Madras High Court grants Ilaiyaraaja interim shield against misuse of his image and identity

The Madras High Court has extended interim protection to composer Ilaiyaraaja, ordering a halt to the unauthorised use of his image, voice and other identifiable traits across digital platforms. The order, issued on Friday, restricts YouTube channels, social-media platforms and music companies from circulating manipulated photographs, AI-generated visuals, caricatures or any content that trades on his persona without approval.

Ilaiyaraaja’s senior counsel, S Prabhakaran, clarified that the petition was not aimed at stopping the public from enjoying the composer’s music. The concern, he said, stemmed from the rampant commercial exploitation of Ilaiyaraaja’s identity, including reels, memes, deepfake-style videos and morphed photographs, which falsely suggested his involvement or endorsement.

According to the submissions, several online channels had been placing Ilaiyaraaja’s likeness in fabricated settings, creating humorous edits, AI-crafted avatars and other misleading depictions designed purely to boost viewership and advertising earnings. Some accounts, the petition noted, even implied that the composer was associated with or participating in certain fan groups or commentary platforms, though he had never authorised such usage.

Screenshots presented to the court reportedly showed the composer’s photographs inserted into irrelevant or altered visual material, giving the impression that he had collaborated on or approved the content.

Taking these allegations into account, the Bench found that Ilaiyaraaja had established a prima facie case for protection. The court therefore barred respondents from using his personality attributes without consent and issued notices calling for their replies by December 19, after which the matter will be heard further. The High Court has asked all respondents to file their counter affidavits and adjourned the matter for four weeks.