SC tranfers case against Hussain to Patiala House Court, Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) The Supreme Court today transferred a criminal case pending against famous painter M F Hussain at Haridwar in Uttarakhand for preparing obscene paintings of Bharat Mata, to Patiala House Court, New Delhi.

A bench comprising Justices B N Agrawal and P P Naolekar ordered the transfer of the case after hearing counsel for Hussain, who contended that there was grave security threat to his client, if he appears in Haridwar Court, as the atmosphere in Haridwar against him was hostile and the threat had become graver after the Bharatiya Janta Party government took over in the State.

Earlier also, several cases have been transferred by the Supreme Court from various States to Patiala House Court, New Delhi.

Hussain is facing allegations for portraying obscene paintings of Hindu Gods and Godesses, as well as Bharat Mata, in an obscene and objectionable manner thus, hurting the religious as well as patriotic sentiments of vast majority of Indians.

90-year-old painter, however, denied the allegations and claimed that the controversial paintings were not made by him.

UNI