Kerala HC stays conferment of Raja Ravi Varma Award on M F Hussain

Kochi, Sep 12 (UNI) The Kerala high court today restrained the state governement from conferring its prestigious Raja Ravi Varma Award on renowned painter M F Hussain, scheduled for September 17.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice H L Dattu and Justice K T Sankaran granted the stay on a public interest petition filed by one Ravi Varma from Thammanam here, challenging the government decision to honour the artist.

The petitioner contended that Hussain had ''abused'' the freedom of expression incorporated in the Constitution by depicting "Bharat Mata" and Hindu gods and goddesses in a vulgar and beastly manner in total disregard of Hindu religious sentiments.

Inspite of several representations and protests, the Kerala government had not withdrawn the decision to confer the award on Hussain, the petitioner added.

UNI