Justice G. Jayachandran upheld a petition filed by V. Srinivasan, grandson of legendary Carnatic musician MS Subbulakshmi, contesting the use of Subbulakshmi’s name for the award being presented to Krishna.
CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Tuesday(19th Nov) prohibited the Madras Music Academy from conferring the Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award on Carnatic vocalist and activist TM Krishna.
Justice G. Jayachandran upheld a petition filed by V. Srinivasan, grandson of legendary Carnatic musician MS Subbulakshmi, contesting the use of Subbulakshmi’s name for the award being presented to Krishna.
The judge emphasized that while there is no restriction on the Academy granting awards or honoring Krishna specifically, the award must not be named after Subbulakshmi.
“If anyone truly respects and admires MS Subbulakshmi, they should honor her wishes and not institute awards in her name,” the court observed.
Srinivasan argued that Subbulakshmi’s Will explicitly prohibits the establishment of any trust, foundation, or memorial in her name after her passing. He approached the court in August, seeking an injunction to stop not only the conferment of the Sangita Kalanidhi Award on Krishna but also its association with Subbulakshmi’s name.
The petitioner contended that honoring Krishna was particularly inappropriate, as Krishna had allegedly made “vile, vituperative, and scandalous” remarks against Subbulakshmi on social media, tarnishing her legacy.
Why TM Krishna is Controversial
TM Krishna has often been at the center of controversies due to his innovative approach to Carnatic music and his outspoken activism. Known for blending different musical genres and introducing diverse themes, Krishna has drawn both praise and criticism throughout his career.
Carnatic music is traditionally devotional, with compositions dedicated to Hindu deities, often in languages like Tamil, Telugu, and Sanskrit. Krishna, however, has broadened this repertoire, incorporating secular poetry, Bengali, Malayalam, Hebrew, and Arabic pieces into Carnatic ragas.
He has also performed Christian hymns and Muslim compositions, prompting accusations of undermining the spiritual essence of Carnatic music. Critics allege that these efforts are part of an agenda to dilute the traditional framework of the genre.
Krishna, on the other hand, views Carnatic music as an abstract art form that transcends religious boundaries. He argues that the lyrics’ religious origin—whether Hindu, Christian, or Muslim—does not define the authenticity of the music. His outreach concerts in unconventional venues like metro stations, buses, and slums further reflect his belief that Carnatic music should be inclusive and accessible.
Krishna is a vocal critic of caste-based biases within the Carnatic music ecosystem, which he claims restrict opportunities for musicians from marginalized communities. His decision to boycott the Chennai Music Season spotlighted systemic inequities within the field.
In March 2023, Krishna released a song, “Sindikka Chonnavar Periyar: Song on Periyar,” commemorating the centenary of the Vaikom Satyagraha. The lyrics of this song called for questioning caste discrimination, oppressive norms, and systemic injustice.
Case Title: Music Academy v V Shrinivasan and Others
