Controversy Erupts Over M.F. Husain Paintings Auction Amid Protests

On June 12, 2025, an auction featuring 25 rare paintings by the late Indian modernist artist M.F. Husain is scheduled to take place at the Pundole Art Gallery in Mumbai. The event, however, has ignited significant controversy, drawing the ire of right-wing groups who argue that Husain’s works have historically offended Hindu sentiments.

M.F. Husain, who passed away in 2011, is renowned for his bold artistic interpretations, particularly his depictions of Indian deities and national symbols. His painting titled 'Bharat Mata,' which portrayed the map of India as a nude female figure, has been especially contentious, leading to widespread protests during his lifetime. According to Sunil Ghanwat, the state coordinator of the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, “Husain deliberately painted vulgar and obscene images of goddesses Saraswati, Parvati, Ganga, and Yamuna, thereby gravely hurting the sentiments of millions of Hindus.” Ghanwat added that holding an auction of Husain’s paintings is akin to supporting his past actions that were deemed anti-national and anti-social.

The paintings set for auction are part of Husain's series 'Our Planet Called Earth,' commissioned in 2004 by industrialist Guru Swarup Srivastava for ₹1 crore each. Amid allegations of financial misappropriation, the paintings were secured by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (NAFED) as part of a loan recovery effort. Since 2008, these artworks have been kept in a bank vault, awaiting this auction, which aims to recover a portion of the ₹236 crore loan defaulted by Srivastava’s company.

The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti and other right-wing factions have formally requested a ban on the auction, asserting that it undermines national and religious sentiments. A memorandum was submitted to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the Mumbai Police Commissioner, and the District Collector, warning of “strong public protest” should the auction proceed. The group contends that glorifying Husain's legacy through this auction poses a direct affront to the sentiments of many Hindus.

In response to the protests, Dadiba Pundole of the Pundole Art Gallery stated, “The court has ordered us to conduct the auction of Husain’s paintings. It will be conducted as per schedule. If anyone has any objections, they are free to go to court.” This comment highlights the legal complexities surrounding the auction, as it has been sanctioned by judicial authority despite public dissent.

Historically, Husain's works have provoked significant backlash from various groups. In 2006, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated a probe into Srivastava's business dealings amidst allegations of financial misconduct. The controversy surrounding Husain intensified to the point where he left India in 2005 following numerous complaints and threats from right-wing groups. Although the Supreme Court dismissed a petition against him in 2008, declaring his artwork a legitimate expression of art, the backlash forced Husain into exile.

As the auction date approaches, the conflict surrounding Husain's legacy continues to evoke deep-seated divisions within Indian society. The implications of this auction extend beyond the art world, reflecting broader societal tensions regarding freedom of expression, cultural identity, and religious sentiments in contemporary India. The outcome of this auction may reignite discussions on artistic freedom versus societal values, and how those tensions play out in a rapidly changing India.

With the auction poised to take place amid protests, it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what impact it will have on the discourse surrounding art and culture in the country. The intersection of art, politics, and public sentiment remains a hotbed of contention, as M.F. Husain's artistic legacy continues to challenge societal norms even after his death.