The Supreme Court on Monday refused to instigate criminal proceedings against the controversial artist M F Husain for allegedly hurting public sentiments with obscene paintings. The apex court also rejected the argument that the artist was using his age and status to disobey the obscenity laws.

The Supreme Court said, “There are many such pictures, paintings and sculptures and some of them are in temples also.”

The 92 year old artist has been accused by the Hindu hard liners for representing India as a nude goddess.

Obscenity has been defined as a criminal offence under the Indian laws.

Friday saw the opening of India’s biggest art fair, but surprisingly, the show landed in controversies since the organizers of the fair excluded the fine works of India’s most versatile artist M F Husain, due to fear of Hindu vigilantes who oppose Husain, attacking the fair.

The absence of Husain’s work at the India Art Summit was obviously noticed by those who are ardent fan of the artist. The artist has typically a touch of cubism with classical Indian styles that attracts millions on international art markets.