MF Husain, widely considered one of India's most celebrated modern painters, became the subject of intense controversy over the years due to his artwork, which many considered provocative or offensive. His paintings often depicted Hindu deities in a manner that some deemed disrespectful, which drew ire from various groups. Husain’s works sparked multiple legal battles, protests, and calls for a nationwide ban. A Delhi court has made headlines with its recent decision to order the seizure of several paintings by the renowned Indian artist MF Husain, describing them as 'objectionable'. The controversial decision has sparked a fresh debate over freedom of expression, artistic license, and the role of the state in regulating art that might be perceived as offensive to cultural sensibilities.

The Delhi Art Gallery (DAG), which hosted the exhibition, denied any wrongdoing and stated that a "detailed" police investigation found no "cognizable offense" by the gallery. The exhibition Husain: The Timeless Modernist at DAG showcased over 100 paintings from 26 October to 14 December. The complainant, Amita Sachdeva, a lawyer, said on X that on 4 December, she photographed the "offensive paintings" displayed at the DAG and, after researching previous complaints against the late artist, filed a police complaint five days later.

In 2006, Husain publicly apologized for his painting, Mother India. It showed a nude woman kneeling on the ground creating the shape of the Indian map. He left the country the same year and lived in self-imposed exile in London until his death. Supporters argue that Husain’s work reflects artistic freedom and creativity, while critics view some of his depictions as offensive and disrespectful to religious sentiments.

Conversely, those who oppose Husain’s work argue that freedom of expression has its limits, particularly when it comes to potentially offensive content that might incite public unrest or disturb social harmony. These critics contend that art should be mindful of the cultural and religious values that bind society together. As the debate unfolds, it raises important questions about the limits of freedom in art, the role of religion in shaping public discourse, and how societies reconcile these often competing forces. For now, the legacy of MF Husain remains a touchstone for ongoing discussions about the boundaries of creativity and the protections afforded to artistic work in a modern democracy.