Bombay High Court Orders Release of Seized Souza and Padamsee Artworks
The court criticized Mumbai Customs for deeming the artworks obscene, emphasizing that not all nude art is inherently offensive.
- The Bombay High Court overruled the Mumbai Customs' July 2024 order that seized artworks by FN Souza and Akbar Padamsee, citing obscenity.
- The court highlighted that artworks depicting nudity are not automatically obscene, drawing comparisons to India's Khajuraho and Konark temples.
- Mumbai businessman Mustafa Karachiwala acquired the artworks in 2022, which were later confiscated upon import to India.
- The court ordered the immediate release of the seven artworks and restrained Customs from destroying them, noting the artists' significance.
- Customs in the UK had cleared the artworks for export, and the court's decision is seen as a victory for art collectors in India.
Hindustan Times 
