Billy Joel strikes the right note: When judges get musical

Quoting dialogues or even songs from films in Indian languages by the honourable judges of our courts would not be considered surprising, especially given the influence cinema wields on the subcontinent. Even popular non-cinematic songs are expected. But a bench of the Delhi High Court citing a 30-year-old hit number by Billy Joel, 'We Didn’t Start the Fire', in a verdict last week on a case involving a man who had stolen electricity from a pole and refused to pay dues, would seem unusual.

Of course, Indian judges probably have many eclectic interests, including American pop music by the indefatigable ‘Piano Man’ from Hicksville. And they are quite likely to find juridical resonance in his lyrics to bolster their verdicts, including this recent ruling that quotes Joel’s song to counter the defendant’s plea that he didn’t start the trend of electricity theft.

Those more conversant with jurisprudence, however, would know that the almost-70-year-old singer-songwriter is also a well-known name in law, thanks to the judgment in the case of Billy Joel vs Various John Does, 1984.

In fact, everyone contemplating action now against entities for ‘stealing’ their images for merchandise cites Joel’s landmark victory against persons unknown in a US District Court in Wisconsin. Clearly, some Indian judges have studied that plaintiff in depth.