The Supreme Court in an interim order Monday said that musician T M Krishna should not be recognised as a recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi award and also restrained him from projecting himself as a recipient of the award till it decides an appeal challenging the grant of the same to him.
The award instituted by The Hindu group was presented to Krishna by the Music Academy in Chennai on Sunday evening, after the Madras High Court on Saturday set aside a single-judge order which restrained the Academy from doing so.
Subbulakshmi’s grandson V Shrinivasan had approached the court challenging the decision to give the award to Krishna, saying the latter had made objectionable remarks against the late singer, a Bharat Ratna awardee.
Issuing notice, a bench of Justices Hrishikesh Roy and S V N Bhati said, “While arguments have been advanced by all the contesting parties in the suit through their respective counsel, the Court is mindful of the respect and honour that MS Subbulakshmi commands among music lovers spreading across all the spectrum. She is one of the most distinguished singers and although she passed away in December 2004, her mellifluous voice continues to bring great joy to all her fans. At the same time, while the write-ups and the comments made by defendant no.4 (TM Krishna) in describing the singer are his way of conveying his respect for the singer, the plaintiff certainly feels that the words used by the defendant no.4 were, to the say the least, not in good taste.
“As the award has been already awarded on 15.12.2024, we deem it appropriate to say that defendant no.4 T M Krishna should not be recognised as a recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi Award. He is also restrained from projecting himself as a recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award.”
The bench added, “It must be made clear that the Music Academy has a glorious legacy, particularly and their contribution in the field of music is internationally recognised. Same is also the reputation of The Hindu group who have sponsored the award. This interim order should not be seen as a reflection either on the Music Academy or the Hindu publication.”
It said that the order “should also be not considered as the court’s comment on the singing ability of defendant no.4.”
When a counsel appearing for one of the respondents asked if the restraint is only till the next date of hearing, Justice Bhati said, “It’s not that urgent. We will hear.”
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