Security would be provided to Husain: Pillai

NEW DELHI - Union Home Secretary G K Pillai on Thursday said that enough security would be provided to renowned artist M F Husain if he returns to India, adding that no case is pending against him in any of the courts of the country.

Husain has been conferred the Qatar nationality.

“We will give adequate security to Husain if he returns to India,” Pillai said.

On being asked about Husain being conferred the honorary citizenship of Qatar, Pillai said, “There is no case against Husain. The Supreme Court has quashed all the cases against Hussain.

Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao said, “I would like him to feel safe and secure in India,” adding that the 95-year old artist is the pride of India.

Despite being honoured by Qatar nationality, there are reports that Husain has been deeply saddened by his enforced exile and he now needs to give up the citizenship of the land of his birth, which he has lovingly and secularly celebrated in his art covering a period of over seven decades.

Husain has been living abroad for nearly four decades following a large number of legal cases pending against him in the court over his controversial paintings of Hindu goddesses and a hate campaign against him.

he Centre had earlier approached the apex court for the expeditious disposal of cases across the country over his controversial paintings so that his early return could be ensured.

Earlier in May 2009, the Delhi High Court had quashed all cases against Husain, asserting that his paintings were an expression of creativity. (ANI)