New Delhi, May 8
The Delhi High Court on Thursday quashed criminal proceedings against noted artist Maqbool Fida Hussain for allegedly hurting public sentiments by painting obscene pictures of Hindu goddesses. “The matter (allegation) is baseless. It is a matter of having different perspectives and cannot be the basis for initiating criminal proceedings,” Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said while granting relief to the 91-year-old painter.

The court quashed the proceedings initiated against Hussain on the basis of complaints filed at three different places. Earlier, it had stayed the proceedings on these complaints.

Hussain is living in self-exile in Dubai after a series of protests against the controversial paintings.

The cases filed in different states were earlier clubbed on the direction of the Supreme Court and were being heard by Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala House Courts in New Delhi. — ANI