The Madras High Court has issued a significant interim order restraining the Music Academy from conferring the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award in the name of legendary Carnatic singer MS Subbulakshmi to leftist musician TM Krishna.
Justice G Jayachandran, in his ruling, stated that while the award may be granted, it cannot be done under the name of MS Subbulakshmi, as such an action would violate her wishes and mandate. The interim order was passed in response to a petition filed by V Srinivasan, the grandson of MS Subbulakshmi, who argued that conferring the award on Krishna went against Subbulakshmi’s explicit wishes. Srinivasan contended that his grandmother’s will, which had requested no memorials, trusts, or foundations be established in her name, should be honoured.
#MadrasHighCourt restrains #MusicAcademy from conferring Sangaita Kalanidhi Award in the name of MS Subbulakshi to #TMKrishna; However, the court said, there is no bar on giving the award without using the name of MS Subbulakshmi to recognise achievement of @tmkrishna @xpresstn
— Sivakumar_TNIE (@sivakumarie) November 19, 2024
The court also dismissed an application from the Music Academy, which sought to reject Srinivasan’s petition challenging the award’s conferment to Krishna. In his judgment, Justice Jayachandran emphasized that those who truly respected Subbulakshmi’s legacy would not proceed with actions that go against her wishes. He said, “If any person is truly reverent towards MS Subbulakshmi, after knowing her desire and mandate, they should not continue to give the award in her name.”
The court recognized Srinivasan’s standing as a beneficiary of Subbulakshmi’s will, ruling that he had the right to challenge the award. Justice Jayachandran stated that Srinivasan had made a prima facie case and that the balance of convenience was in his favor. “Anyone who truly and honestly respects the sentiments and wishes of the departed soul should not receive awards instituted against her will,” the judge added.
The Music Academy has now been instructed to reconsider the conferment of the award, but without using MS Subbulakshmi’s name, ensuring that the recognition of TM Krishna’s achievements remains separate from the late musician’s legacy.
The decision follows a petition filed by V Srinivasan, grandson of Carnatic music icon MS Subbulakshmi, who raised objections against Krishna receiving the award. Further details of the judgement are awaited.
The petition had argued that Krishna had made derogatory comments about Subbulakshmi after her death, including referring to her as “the greatest hoax of the twentieth century” and a “saintly Barbie doll.” Srinivasan contended that such remarks were disrespectful and caused distress to Subbulakshmi’s family, making it inappropriate for Krishna to be honored with the award established in her name.
In response, the Madras Music Academy defended its decision, stating that the award’s selection process is transparent, and the governing body does not influence the choice of recipients. The Academy clarified that Subbulakshmi’s family had not objected to the award’s presentation since its inception. The award, instituted in 2005, is presented annually alongside the Sangita Kalanidhi, the highest honor bestowed by the Madras Music Academy.
(With inputs from LiveLaw)
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