Archive · 24 Nov 2025
SC Dismisses Plea Against Delhi Art Gallery
The Supreme Court of India has dismissed a request to file a police report against a Delhi art gallery for showing paintings by a famous artist named MF Husain.
The paintings showed Hindu gods Hanuman and Ganesha, and someone thought they were offensive.
The person who complained, a lawyer named Amita Sachdeva, wanted the police to investigate, but the courts said no.
The courts said that if the paintings are really offensive, the person who complained can prove it in a trial.
The art gallery is happy because the courts have supported their right to show art freely.
The artist, MF Husain, passed away in 2011 and was a very respected person in India.
Supreme Court dismissed plea for FIR against Delhi Art Gallery for displaying MF Husain paintings depicting Hindu deities.
Lower courts (Delhi High Court, Delhi District Court, Judicial Magistrate) had previously refused to order an FIR.
Complainant, Advocate Amita Sachdeva, alleged the paintings were offensive and sought their seizure.
Courts ruled that allegations need to be substantiated during trial, and the matter should be examined based on evidence.
Gallery welcomed the Supreme Court's decision, stating it underscores the judiciary's support for artistic freedom.
- Who
- Advocate Amita Sachdeva (complainant), Delhi Art Gallery (DAG), MF Husain (artist)
- What
- Supreme Court dismissed plea for FIR against DAG for displaying allegedly offensive paintings by MF Husain
- When
- Supreme Court dismissed plea on Friday (exact date not specified), paintings displayed in December 2024, court orders in January 2024
- Where
- Delhi, India (DAG in Connaught Place, Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, Delhi District Court)
- Why
- Complainant alleged paintings were offensive to Hindu religious sentiments, courts ruled that allegations need to be substantiated during trial
- Court Levels Involved
- Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, Delhi District Court, Judicial Magistrate
- Paintings in Question
- Hindu deities Hanuman and Ganesha by MF Husain
- Complainant
- Advocate Amita Sachdeva
- Gallery Involved
- DAG (Delhi Art Gallery)
- Artist
- MF Husain (Padma Vibhushan recipient)
- Key Dates
- December 4, 2024 (photos taken), December 9, 2024 (complaint filed), January 20, 2024 (court order for seizure), January 23, 2024 (case filed as complaint)