Indian Court Orders Seizure of Controversial MF Husain Paintings

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A court in Delhi has ordered the seizure of two paintings by renowned artist MF Husain, which were deemed "offensive" following a complaint that they hurt religious sentiments. The decision came after Amita Sachdeva, a lawyer, filed a police report alleging that the paintings, exhibited at the Delhi Art Gallery, depicted Hindu deities alongside nude female figures.

The judge at Patiala House Courts reported that the police had accessed CCTV footage related to the exhibition, which is scheduled to run from October 26 to December 14. The artworks in question had been removed from display prior to the police inquiry.

Husain, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 95, was previously labeled the "Picasso of India" and had a history of artistic controversy, particularly for his portrayals of Hindu gods in nude forms. His works have often sold for millions, yet they have also sparked accusations of obscenity, leading to significant backlash during his lifetime.

The gallery has stated it is seeking legal advice regarding the situation, emphasizing that it is not involved in the legal proceedings. Past legal challenges against Husain's art have often been dismissed, with India's Supreme Court previously ruling that nudity is a prevalent aspect of Indian cultural and historic iconography.

This recent seizure order has reignited discussions around artistic expression and the perceived rise of intolerance towards controversial art in India.

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