New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday refused an urgent hearing on a plea challenging the conferment of the Sankita Kalanidhi M S Subbulakshmi award to renowned Carnatic music singer T M Krishna. The plea, filed by V Srinivasan, Subbulakshmi’s grandson, contends that Krishna should not receive the prestigious award due to his alleged attacks on the legendary vocalist’s reputation.

Additional Solicitor General N Venkataraman, who represented the petitioner, mentioned the matter before a bench of Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, seeking an urgent hearing given the upcoming award ceremony on December 15. Venkataraman argued that the case was extraordinary, highlighting Krishna’s writings which allegedly maligned Subbulakshmi.

However, the Supreme Court declined the request for an urgent hearing, setting the matter for December 16. The Chief Justice responded to the urgency of the situation by saying, "They can always take it back the award. You can recall the award if required."

Allegations against T M Krishna

The lawsuit, filed by V Srinivasan, challenges the award conferred on Krishna, citing his "vile, vituperative and scandalous attacks" against Subbulakshmi on social media. Srinivasan alleges that Krishna’s actions harmed his grandmother’s reputation and, therefore, he should not be eligible to receive the prestigious award.

With PTI inputs