A Delhi court has issued an order to seize two paintings by renowned artist MF Husain after a complaint claimed the artworks depicted Hindu deities in an “objectionable” and offensive manner. The controversial works were displayed at the Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) as part of an exhibition titled Husain: The Timeless Modernist.
Complaint Sparks Legal Action
The complaint was filed by Delhi High Court advocate Amita Sachdeva, who visited the exhibition at DAG on December 4, 2024. Upon viewing several paintings, Sachdeva alleged that the artworks presented Hindu gods and goddesses in a manner that was offensive and disrespectful. She claimed that the paintings hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus, causing spiritual and emotional distress to devotees.
While arguing the matter in court, I strongly felt the presence and guidance of Bhagwan Shri Krishna at work, ensuring that justice prevailed.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Sr. Adv. Makrand Adkar Ji, Adv. Vikram Kumar, Adv. Yadavendra Saxena, and Adv. Shantanu Adkar for their… https://t.co/VUsmb6VycI
— Amita Sachdeva, Advocate (@SachdevaAmita) January 21, 2025
After the visit, Sachdeva lodged a formal complaint at the Parliament Street police station on 9 December 2024. She and the Delhi Police again visited the gallery during the investigation, only to find that the paintings had been removed. This advocate thereafter shifted her case to Patiala House Court wherein she filed her complaint on 12 December and asked for the preservation of CCTV footage by the gallery on those dates, which includes 4, 6, and 10 December 2024 when this exhibition was held.
Court Issues Seizure Order
Judicial Magistrate First Class, Sahil Monga, issued an order for the seizure of these paintings on 22 January 2025. The court’s order read, “At this stage, the application U/s 94 BNSS (summons to produce document or other thing) has been moved by the complainant for direction to the IO (Investigating Officer) to seize the painting in question.” The court further noted that the investigating officer had already seized the CCTV footage from the gallery for the relevant dates.
The inquiry report shows that the exhibition was held in a “private space,” and the paintings were only shown to be exhibited as the original works of the artist. Still, the court allowed the seizure based on the complaint and investigation process.
DAG Responds to Court’s Decision
In reaction to the court order, DAG released a statement accepting the situation. The gallery stated that it is “reviewing the situation and seeking counsel” regarding the ongoing inquiry into a few selected works of MF Husain. They also clarified that they are not a party to any court proceedings at this point but are closely monitoring the developments.
The gallery assured updates would be in place as soon as more was known about the matter at hand.
Legacy of Controversy of MF Husain
MF Husain is widely regarded as India’s modern equivalent of a gigantic figure in India’s art domain. He was often criticized in the past as his works created depictions that outraged conservative crowds and led to court cases, protesting crowds, and even threats. Over time, the controversies around his art made him live in self-imposed exile in Dubai and London since 2016. Despite this, Husain is still a celebrated figure in India as one of the country’s most influential and important modern artists.
This new legal development thrusts his art back into public discourse, reinforcing the debate regarding the intersection of art, religion, and free expression in India.
