SC moved for withdrawal of cases against Husain

A PIL was today moved in the Supreme Court seeking a direction to the Centre for withdrawal of all criminal cases lodged against artist MF Hussain, 95, and ensuring his return to the country.

The PIL by Bhim Singh, a member of National Integration Council and former MP, claimed Husain's fundamental rights stood violated as he was unable to return to the country due the 900-odd cases slapped against him for his alleged blashephmeous paintings of Hindu gods and goddesses.

Hussain, in self-imposed exile outside India since 2006, was recently conferred citizenship by Qatar.

The PIL said Husain, who enjoys iconic status, travels freely accross the world except India where "he faces legal harassment and physical threat, with the system impotent and not committed to enabling his return."

According to Husain's estimates, there are 900 cases against him in various courts of India.

However, the PIL citing media reports said there were 95 cases registered in different parts of the country by "the persons associated with the same political party."