The Court noted that Sachdeva’s complaint revolved around the display of allegedly offensive paintings at a private exhibition and key evidence including the paintings have already been seized.
The Sessions Court observed that Section 299 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) requires proof of deliberate and malicious intention to outrage religious feelings through insulting means and the investigation sought by Sachdeva was not essential to establish these ingredients at this stage.
Senior Advocate Madhav Khurana and advocate Piyush Swami represented Delhi Art Gallery.