Advocate’s complaint leads to judicial intervention; art gallery under scrutiny
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – A Delhi court has directed the seizure of two “offensive” paintings by the late renowned artist MF Hussain. The paintings, which depict Hindu deities Hanuman and Ganesh, were at display in the Delhi Art Gallery (DAG) in the iconic Connaught Place.
The order was issued by Judicial Magistrate First Class Sahil Monga of the Patiala House Courts on Monday. Advocate Amita Sachdev had filed a complaint and sought the seizure of the artworks, citing their alleged offensive nature.
Sachdev stated that he had photographed the paintings during a visit to the gallery on 4 December. An FIR was subsequently lodged on 9 December. However, during a follow-up visit on 10 December, the paintings were removed.
In his ruling, Magistrate Monga referred to a police inquiry report, which confirmed the seizure of security camera footage and the gallery’s network video recorder for investigation. The report identified the paintings listed under serial numbers 6 and 10 in the gallery’s records.
“As per the inquiry report, the art was exhibited at a private place and the paintings were only meant to showcase Hussain’s original work,” the magistrate noted.
The Delhi Art Gallery issued a statement on Wednesday, saying, “We are reviewing the situation and consulting with experts. We are not a party to any legal proceedings so far and are monitoring the developments.”
The DAG said it had been assisting police with their inquiries. It said the exhibition had attracted about 5,000 visitors and had received “positive reviews in the press as well as from the public”.
The complainant had been the only person to raise any objection to any of the artworks in the exhibition, the gallery said.
“The complainant has herself displayed and publicised the images of the drawings over social media and television news media deliberately intending them to be viewed by a larger audience while contending that the same images hurt her personal religious sentiments,” the statement said.
MF Hussain, celebrated as one of India’s greatest modern artists, passed away in 2011. He was the recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour. Despite his global acclaim, Hussain’s work has often sparked controversies due to his depiction of religious themes, leading to legal disputes and public debates.
The seizure of Hussain’s paintings has reignited discussions about the intersection of art, religion, and freedom of expression in India. Legal experts and art enthusiasts are closely monitoring the case as it unfolds.
The incident adds another chapter to the complex legacy of MF Hussain, whose contributions to Indian art continue to inspire, challenge, and provoke.
