Madras High Court bars music academy from giving award in MS Subbulakshmi’s name to TM Krishna

Tue Nov 19 07:35:11 UTC 2024: **Madras High Court Blocks MS Subbulakshmi Award for TM Krishna**

CHENNAI, INDIA – The Madras High Court has prevented the Madras Music Academy from bestowing its prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi MS Subbulakshmi Award upon Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna. The decision follows a petition filed by V. Srinivasan, grandson of the legendary Carnatic singer M.S. Subbulakshmi.

Justice G. Jayachandran ruled that while the Academy is free to confer awards, including to Mr. Krishna, the award cannot bear Subbulakshmi’s name. The court cited Subbulakshmi’s will, which explicitly forbids the establishment of any trusts, foundations, or memorials in her name.

Mr. Srinivasan argued that conferring the award on Mr. Krishna was particularly inappropriate, alleging that Mr. Krishna had made “vile, vituperative, and scandalous attacks” against Subbulakshmi on social media, thereby damaging her reputation. While the court did not rule on the merits of these allegations, it upheld the family’s wishes regarding the use of Subbulakshmi’s name for the award. The court stated that honoring Subbulakshmi’s wishes was paramount for those who claim to revere her.