In a major setback to Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna, who made controversial remarks against legendary singer Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi, the Supreme Court directed that Krishna should not be recognised as the recipient of the award named after her. The apex court also restrained Krishna from projecting himself as the recipient of the “Sangita Kalanidhi M.S. Subbulakshmi Award.”
A bench comprising Justice Hrishikesh Roy and Justice S.V.N. Bhatti passed this interim order in response to a petition filed by M.S. Subbulakshmi’s grandson, challenging the Madras High Court division bench’s order that allowed the conferment of the award. The award, sponsored by The Hindu publication group and shortlisted by the Music Academy, was scheduled to be presented to T.M. Krishna.
The Supreme Court’s interim order reads: “The Court is mindful of the respect and honour that M.S. Subbulakshmi commands across all spectrums. She is one of the most distinguished singers, and although she passed away in December 2004, her melodious voice continues to bring great joy to all her fans. At the same time, while the write-ups and comments made by T.M. Krishna are his way of conveying his respect for the singer, the plaintiff certainly feels that the words used by T.M. Krishna , to say the least, are not in good taste.”
The court further noted, “As the award has already been conferred on December 15, 2024, we deem it appropriate to say that T.M. Krishna should not be recognised as the recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi M.S. Subbulakshmi Award and is restrained from projecting himself as such.”
The petitioner, M.S. Subbulakshmi’s grandson, alleged that Krishna made “vile, vituperative, and scandalous attacks” against Subbulakshmi on social media, thereby maligning her reputation. He argued that the award, named in his grandmother’s honour, should not be conferred on someone who disrespected her legacy.
On 13th December, hours after the Madras High Court set aside an interim injunction barring the Music Academy from conferring the award on Krishna, the Supreme Court agreed to hear the appeal challenging this order.
The Madras Music Academy had scheduled the award ceremony for 15th December 2024, during its 98th annual conference. The apex court, however, refused to urgently intervene. The CJI remarked, “We can recall the award if required.”
On 13th December, a division bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices SS Sundar and P. Dhanabal, overturned the earlier order by a single judge, Justice G. Jayachandran. Justice Jayachandran had ruled in November that the term “memorial” in the will extended to awards and stated: “The best way to honour a departed soul is to respect her wish and not disrespect it.” He directed that while the Music Academy could confer the award on Krishna, it should not use Subbulakshmi’s name.
In his petition, the grandson of M.S. Subbulakshmi stated: “The statements of Krishna are downright disgraceful, unjustifiably questioning the credibility of the renowned singer at the altar of cheap politics. He would not have dared to throw such calumny on the late singer during her lifetime.”
The Supreme Court has issued notices to T.M. Krishna, the Music Academy, The Hindu, and THG Publishing Private Limited, seeking their replies within four weeks. The legal battle over this prestigious award continues, with significant implications for the music and cultural community.
