MS Subbulakshmi's Grandson Moves Madras High Court Opposing Conferment Of Award Named After Her To TM Krishna

V Shrinivasan, Subbulakshmi's grandson has now approached the Madras High Court challenging this. In his plea, Shrinivasan contended that Krishna has been making vile, vituperative, and scandalous attacks on Subbulakshmi on social media and has been maligning the reputation of the late singer. He alleged that Krishna has constantly trivialized the late singer's achievements by making it seem as though it was a reward for embracing “Brahmanism”. Thus, he questioned how the Music Academy could honor such a person who had criticized a Matriarch who had always worked for the cause of the Academy.

Shrinivasan thus argued that conferring the award on Krishna, who had questioned the credibility of the late singer in the world of Carnatic music should not be legally permitted as it would amount to conferring a Bhakti prize on an atheist. He stated that awards and recognitions instituted in the name of a person ought to be conferred on persons who share common values. Shrinivasan added that the present conferment of the award was a mockery and one of the greatest hoaxes of the 20^th century in the world of Carnatic music.

Shrinivasan further stated that the late singer had executed her last will and testament on October 30, 1997, in which she had specified that no trust, foundation, a memorial of any kind should be made in her name and memory or any funds/donations be collected for any of the above purposes. Thus, he stated that the award was against the mandate of the late singer, in whose honour, the memorial award was being presented annually.

Replying to the petition, the Music Academy, in its counter affidavit submitted that conferring the award of Krishna did not, in any manner dishonour or belittle the memory of the late singer and her contribution to the world of music. The Academy added that it was absurd to claim that conferment of the award would dishonour her memory and achievements and Shrinivasan did not have any locus to question the conferment of the award merely because it was unacceptable to him.

With respect to the will, the Academy argued that the will only prevented formation of any trust, foundation etc in the name of the late singer and collecting funds for the same. In the present case, it was pointed out that the organisers have not collected any funds and not formed any trust but merely named an award in honour of the late singer which was not prohibited in the will.

The Academy further submitted that the conferment of award was the sole prerogative of the Academy and Shrinivasan could not question the same unless he could point out any breach of legal/moral right or any obligation. Thus, the Academy sought for dismissal of the suit.

Case Title: V Shrinivasan v The Music Academy and Others

Case No: CS No. 194 of 2024