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The Madras High Court delivered a significant ruling on Friday, lifting the injunction preventing the Music Academy, Chennai, from bestowing the prestigious 'Sangita Kalanidhi' award upon Carnatic singer T M Krishna. This decision overturned a prior single judge order that had sided with a petition filed by Shrinivasan, the grandson of the legendary Carnatic singer M S Subbulakshmi. Shrinivasan's petition argued that awarding the prize – specifically, the 'Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi Award' – to Krishna would be inappropriate given Krishna's perceived past criticisms of Subbulakshmi, characterizing them as 'vile, vituperative, and scandalous' attacks. The core of Shrinivasan's argument rested on the assertion that conferring the award, named after his devoutly religious grandmother, upon a self-described atheist like Krishna would constitute a significant incongruity, bordering on sacrilege. The single judge's initial order, influenced by this argument, aimed to prevent the perceived desecration of Subbulakshmi's legacy.
However, the division bench of Justice S S Sundar and Justice P Dhanabal, hearing the Music Academy's appeal against the single judge's decision, took a different view. The bench found no legal basis to prevent the Music Academy from honoring Krishna with the award. While acknowledging the petitioner's concerns regarding the potential offense to Subbulakshmi's legacy, the court clarified that there was no insurmountable obstacle to conferring the award on Krishna, even if it meant dispensing with the addition of Subbulakshmi's name to the award's title. This subtle yet significant distinction allowed the court to uphold the integrity of the award process while respecting the concerns raised by the petitioner. The court's reasoning effectively separated the merit of Krishna's musical achievements from the sensitivities surrounding the naming of the award itself, finding a way to navigate the complex intersection of artistic recognition and familial reverence.
The case underscores the inherent tension between artistic freedom of expression and the sensitivities surrounding cultural icons. Krishna, a prominent figure in the Carnatic music world, has frequently engaged in critical commentary on the traditions and established hierarchies within the genre. His views, often challenging conventional norms, have made him both admired and controversial within the Carnatic music community. This conflict highlights the broader societal debate regarding the balance between critical discourse and the preservation of revered traditions. The court's decision to allow the award to proceed, even with a modified title, suggests a preference for recognizing artistic merit over preventing potential offense. The case also raises important questions about the role of courts in mediating artistic disputes and the limitations of judicial intervention in matters of cultural significance. The court's pragmatic solution demonstrates a recognition of the need to protect both freedom of expression and the sentiments of those honoring a cherished musical icon.
The history of the 'Sangita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi Award' is also relevant to understanding the court’s decision. Established in 2005 by the Music Academy in conjunction with an English daily newspaper, the award was intended to commemorate Subbulakshmi's significant contributions to Carnatic music. It was designed as a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, presented annually alongside the main 'Sangita Kalanidhi Award.' The academy's decision to bestow the award upon Krishna was made on March 17th, preceding the legal challenge. The court’s decision to uphold the award, albeit possibly with a name alteration, respects the academy's autonomy in recognizing musical excellence. The case also raises wider questions about the nature of artistic legacy and how it is interpreted and protected in the face of evolving artistic discourse. It's a nuanced situation requiring a careful balance of honoring tradition while celebrating contemporary contributions, a balance the court attempted to carefully address in its ruling.
Source: Madras High Court Allows T M Krishna to Receive Sangita Kalanidhi Award