V Shrinivasan v. Music Academy: Way Guided By The Will?

Introduction

Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi is a name of great repute in the Carnatic Music. Golden legacy was left behind by the legendary singer who is still remembered for her brilliant work. To acknowledge the same, the Chennai Music Academy wanted to add M.S. Subbulakshmi's name to the Sangita Kalanidhi Award. Yet, the Madras High Court ordered the Music Academy to cease from doing the same. This decision by Madras High Court has raised many eyebrows, because it revolves around the topic of posthumous publicity rights which is no less than an enigma.

Facts of the case and the interim court order

The suit was initiated by the late M. S. Subbulakshmi's grandson, V Shrinivasan. As per paragraph 6 of the court order, the points of consideration were mainly if the will had excluded awards from being named after her, if the plaintiff had the locus standi and if (the defendant no 4) T.M. Krishna suffered any disqualification from receiving the award at