Iconoclastic representation of Hindu Gods and Goddesses added to art exhibition

Case Summary
An exhibition titled 'Hussain: The Timeless Modernist' in New Delhi showcased controversial paintings by Maqbool Fida Hussain, depicting Hindu deities like Lord Ganesh and Lord Hanuman in objectionable and naked forms. These depictions angered Hindus, who viewed them as disrespectful and hurtful to their religious sentiments. On December 9 2024, a delegation from the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti filed a formal complaint at the Sansad Marg police station. They reported the exhibition organizers of deliberately offending Hindus through these depictions, stating that such acts are punishable under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code and Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyay Samhita. The delegation also raised concerns about the authenticity of the paintings, given that Husain passed away in 2011. Following the complaint, the objectionable paintings were removed from the exhibition. However, Hindu representatives insisted that legal action should be taken against the event organizers for allowing such content to be displayed.
Why it is Hate Crime ?
This case is being added to the primary category 'Attack on Hindu religious representations' under the sub-category 'Iconoclastic representation of Hindu Gods and Goddesses'. An icon is a symbol of someone or something that is revered, or a religious representation of a spiritual ideal. Iconography is of vital significance in the Hindu milieu. It helps connect people’s spiritual beliefs with the real world. Iconography within the Hindu faith takes several shapes and forms. Murtis are of most significance to Hindus, to which daily rituals, prayers and offerings are done. Besides the murtis, there are several other symbols which have deep significance in the Hindu faith – the Om and Swastika for example. Any iconoclastic representation of these symbols, images and murtis is an affront to the religious beliefs and faith of the Hindu community itself since the symbols and icons are deeply religious in nature. In this sub-category of crime, we would record hate crimes and iconoclastic representations, in words, art, or any other form of representations of symbols that hold religious significance for the Hindu community. Since these symbols, icons and murtis are central to the Hindu faith, any iconoclastic representation of these symbols is born out of animosity towards the faith itself, manifesting itself through these symbols and therefore, these representations would be considered religiously motivated hated crimes. In this case, Hindu Gods Ganesh and Hanuman were depicted in the nude, in questionable positions. Such representations of revered deities of Hindus delegitimises the faith of the Hindus since such representations are central to the faith of the Hindus.

Case Status
Complaint filed

Perpetrators Details
Perpetrators
Others
Perpetrators Range
From 2 To 5
Perpetrators Gender
unknown