14 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

3 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Supreme Court urges A.R. Rahman to acknowledge Dhrupad singer

SC asks A.R. Rahman to consider acknowledging Dhrupad singer for song use.

The Supreme Court has requested music composer A.R. Rahman and the producers of Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan II to consider giving acknowledgment to Dhrupad singer Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar for the musical composition “Shiva Stuti” used in the song “Veera Raja Veera”. Mr. Dagar argued that the film credits the “Dagarvani Tradition Dhrupad” but does not credit him. The Court has scheduled the case for hearing on February 20.

Key Facts

The Supreme Court is hearing a plea by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar.

The plea is against a Delhi High Court order from September 2025.

The High Court found no prima facie evidence that the Junior Dagar Brothers authored the classical rendition of 'Shiv Stuti'.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the case for hearing on February 20.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper I: Art and Culture - Dhrupad music, artistic traditions

GS Paper II: Polity - Judicial review, intellectual property rights

GS Paper IV: Ethics - Acknowledgment of artistic contribution, plagiarism

In Simple Words

The Supreme Court is asking A.R. Rahman to think about giving credit to a classical singer. The singer feels he should be recognized for his specific contribution to a song. It's about giving credit where credit is due.

India Angle

In India, traditional art forms are often passed down through generations. This case raises the question of how to balance respecting tradition with recognizing individual artists' contributions.

For Instance

Think of it like when a chef uses a family recipe but adds their own special twist. Should they only credit the family, or also get credit for their unique addition?

This matters because it affects how artists are recognized and compensated for their work. It also impacts the preservation and evolution of traditional art forms.

Give credit where it's due: Acknowledging artists matters.

Visual Insights

Evolution of Copyright Law and Related Events

Timeline highlighting key events leading to the Supreme Court case involving A.R. Rahman and Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar.

The evolution of copyright law reflects the increasing importance of protecting intellectual property rights in a rapidly changing world.

1710Statute of Anne: First copyright law enacted in England.
1886Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works.
1957Copyright Act of 1957 enacted in India.
1999The Trade Marks Act, 1999 enacted in India.
2000The Designs Act, 2000 enacted in India.
2012Amendments to the Copyright Act in 2012 addressed digital rights management and online copyright infringement.
2016National IPR Policy launched to create awareness about IPRs and to promote innovation and creativity.
2026Supreme Court urges A.R. Rahman to acknowledge Dhrupad singer Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar.

More Information

Background

The case highlights the importance of acknowledging artistic contributions and the complexities of intellectual property in the realm of music. Dhrupad, a genre of Hindustani classical music, has ancient roots. Its origins can be traced back to the Samaveda, one of the four Vedas. The chanting of Vedic hymns evolved into this structured musical form. Over centuries, Dhrupad has undergone various transformations, influenced by different rulers and musical traditions. The Mughal era saw significant patronage of the arts, including Dhrupad, leading to its refinement and spread. The Dagarvani tradition, mentioned in the news, is a prominent school within Dhrupad, known for its rigorous training and preservation of the art form. This tradition has been passed down through generations of the Dagar family. Copyright law in India, governed by the Copyright Act of 1957, protects original literary, dramatic, musical, and artistic works. The Act grants creators exclusive rights over their creations, including the right to reproduce, distribute, and adapt their work. However, the application of copyright to traditional art forms like Dhrupad, where the line between individual creation and collective heritage can be blurry, presents unique challenges.

Latest Developments

The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the growing awareness of the need to protect and promote traditional art forms. There is an increasing emphasis on recognizing the contributions of individual artists within these traditions. Government initiatives such as schemes under the Ministry of Culture aim to support and preserve various forms of Indian art and culture. These schemes often provide financial assistance to artists and cultural organizations. However, debates continue regarding the best way to balance the protection of intellectual property rights with the need to ensure that traditional knowledge and art forms remain accessible to the public. Some argue for a more flexible approach to copyright in the case of traditional arts, allowing for adaptation and innovation while still acknowledging the source. Institutions like the Sangeet Natak Akademi play a crucial role in promoting and preserving India's performing arts traditions. Looking ahead, it is expected that there will be increasing dialogue between artists, policymakers, and legal experts to develop a framework that effectively protects the rights of traditional artists while also fostering creativity and innovation. The outcome of the Supreme Court case could set a precedent for future disputes involving the use of traditional music in contemporary works.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Dhrupad music, and why is it important to Indian cultural heritage?

Dhrupad is a genre of Hindustani classical music with ancient roots, tracing back to the Samaveda. It represents a structured musical form evolved from Vedic hymns. Its importance lies in being a traditional art form and a significant part of India's cultural heritage, needing preservation and promotion.

2. What are the key facts of the Supreme Court case involving A.R. Rahman and Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar relevant for UPSC Prelims?

Key facts include: The Supreme Court is hearing a plea by Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar regarding the use of 'Shiva Stuti' in the Tamil film Ponniyin Selvan II. The plea challenges a Delhi High Court order from September 2025. The Supreme Court has requested A.R. Rahman to consider acknowledging the Dhrupad singer and has scheduled the next hearing for February 20.

3. Explain the importance of acknowledging artistic contributions, especially in traditional art forms like Dhrupad, and its connection to Intellectual Property Rights.

Acknowledging artistic contributions is crucial for preserving the integrity and promoting the growth of traditional art forms. It ensures that artists receive due recognition and encourages further innovation. This acknowledgment is linked to Intellectual Property Rights, specifically copyright law, which protects original works of authorship and grants creators exclusive rights to their work.

4. What is the role of the Supreme Court in mediating disputes related to artistic license and attribution, as seen in the A.R. Rahman case?

The Supreme Court plays a role in judicial review and mediation. It examines whether existing laws, such as copyright law, have been correctly interpreted and applied. In this case, the Supreme Court is mediating between the artistic license exercised in the film and the right to attribution claimed by the Dhrupad singer, ensuring a fair balance between creative freedom and intellectual property rights.

5. Why is the Supreme Court involved in the case between A.R. Rahman and Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar?

The Supreme Court is involved because Ustad Dagar has appealed against a Delhi High Court order. The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the growing awareness of the need to protect and promote traditional art forms and recognize the contributions of individual artists within these traditions.

6. From an ethical standpoint, what are the arguments for and against A.R. Rahman acknowledging Ustad Faiyaz Wasifuddin Dagar's contribution?

Arguments for acknowledgment include respecting artistic integrity, giving credit where it's due, and promoting traditional art forms. Arguments against might involve artistic license, interpretation, and the extent of direct influence. The core issue revolves around balancing creative freedom with the ethical responsibility to acknowledge sources and influences.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Dhrupad music: 1. It is considered one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music. 2. The Dagarvani tradition is a prominent school within Dhrupad. 3. Dhrupad's origins can be traced back to the Rigveda. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: Dhrupad is indeed one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music, known for its spiritual and meditative qualities. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Dagarvani tradition is a well-known and respected school within Dhrupad, preserving its unique style and techniques. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: Dhrupad's origins are traced back to the Samaveda, not the Rigveda. The Samaveda is associated with chanting and melodies, which are foundational to Dhrupad.

2. In the context of intellectual property rights related to traditional art forms in India, which of the following statements is most accurate? A) Traditional art forms are automatically protected under the Copyright Act of 1957 without any need for registration. B) The Copyright Act of 1957 provides explicit guidelines for acknowledging contributions to traditional art forms used in contemporary works. C) The application of copyright to traditional art forms can be complex due to the blend of individual creation and collective heritage. D) The Sangeet Natak Akademi is the sole authority for granting copyright licenses for traditional music.

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is the most accurate. The application of copyright to traditional art forms is complex because it's often difficult to separate individual creativity from the collective heritage and evolution of the art form over generations. Options A, B, and D are incorrect because they misrepresent the provisions of the Copyright Act and the role of the Sangeet Natak Akademi.

3. Which of the following organizations is primarily responsible for promoting and preserving the performing arts in India? A) Archaeological Survey of India B) National Museum C) Sangeet Natak Akademi D) Lalit Kala Akademi

Show Answer

Answer: C

The Sangeet Natak Akademi is the National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama. It is the apex body in India for the performing arts. It works to preserve and promote the vast intangible heritage of India's diverse culture expressed in forms of music, dance and drama.