Tue Nov 19 09:33:12 UTC 2024: ## Madras High Court Blocks MS Subbulakshmi Award for TM Krishna

**Chennai, [Date]** – The Madras High Court has ruled against the Madras Music Academy’s decision to confer the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award on Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna, specifically prohibiting the use of late legend M.S. Subbulakshmi’s name in connection with the award.

The ruling follows a petition filed by Subbulakshmi’s grandson, Shrinivasan, who argued that bestowing the award in his grandmother’s name violated her will, which explicitly forbade the creation of any trusts, foundations, or memorials in her honour. The court agreed, stating that the award’s use of Subbulakshmi’s name went against her wishes.

While the court upheld the Academy’s decision to grant the award to Krishna, it stipulated that the award and its associated cash prize of Rs 1 lakh cannot bear Subbulakshmi’s name. The court also dismissed the Music Academy’s challenge to Shrinivasan’s petition, affirming his standing to bring the suit as a beneficiary under Subbulakshmi’s will.

The controversy arose after the Academy’s announcement in March to honour Krishna with the Sangita Kalanidhi, the highest award in Carnatic music. This sparked outrage among several musicians who opposed the choice, citing Krishna’s past criticisms of Subbulakshmi. Shrinivasan’s petition further highlighted these criticisms, arguing that conferring the award on Krishna would be inappropriate.

The court’s decision effectively separates the award itself from its controversial namesake, resolving a significant dispute within the Carnatic music community. The Sangita Kalanidhi Award will continue, but will now be presented without bearing the name of the legendary M.S. Subbulakshmi.

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