Court-Ordered Auction of M.F. Husain Paintings in Mumbai Fetches ₹68.5 Crore Amid Tight Security
Image via HT
Mumbai – A rare collection of 21 artworks by legendary Indian artist Maqbool Fida Husain, including powerful depictions of Mahatma Gandhi and cinematic icons, went under the hammer in a court-mandated auction in Mumbai on June 12. The high-profile event concluded with a “white glove sale” — an industry term indicating that every lot was successfully sold — raising a total of ₹68.5 crore (excluding buyer's premium and GST).
The auction, conducted under tight security by Pundole’s auction house in South Mumbai, included two massive triptychs measuring 1.6m x 2.2m, a canvas portraying Mahatma Gandhi as an apostle of peace, and another work inspired by the Hollywood classic Casablanca, depicting a Humphrey Bogart-like figure under a streetlamp.
The top-selling pieces were one of the triptychs, which fetched ₹9.5 crore, and the Gandhi canvas, which sold for ₹8.5 crore. Both were acquired by the same bidder present in the auction room. Other sales came through online and telephone bids, reflecting strong interest from collectors both in India and abroad.
Why Was the Auction Ordered?
The sale was held on the directions of the Bombay High Court, which had earlier ordered the liquidation of the artworks to recover dues from a major unpaid loan. The paintings had originally come into possession of the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd. (NAFED) in 2008, as part of a legal battle over a ₹236 crore loan default by industrialist Guru Swarup Srivastava, head of the Swarup Group of Industries.
Srivastava had made headlines in 2004 for purchasing the 21 Husain canvases for a reported ₹25 crore — valuing each work at around ₹1 crore, a figure significantly above the market rate at the time. These paintings formed part of Husain’s ambitious yet unfinished project titled Our Planet Called Earth (OPCE), which aimed to document the defining events and icons of the 20th century.
Husain's Vision in the Spotlight Again
The OPCE collection captures Husain’s global and secular outlook. Created using acrylic on long canvas scrolls, which were later cut into individual works, these paintings reflect a mix of political symbolism, cultural icons, and personal vision. Husain had originally planned to produce 100 such works but later abandoned the project.
Despite his international acclaim, Husain remained a controversial figure in India. His portrayal of Hindu deities drew the ire of right-wing groups, leading to court cases and protests. Fearing threats to his life, Husain left India in 2006 and lived in self-imposed exile until his death in 2011.
Protests and Security Concerns
The June 12 auction took place under a watchful security presence. Police personnel, both in plainclothes and in uniform, were stationed inside and outside the Pundole’s auction house in South Mumbai. Barricades were also set up as a precaution.
The added security came after the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, a right-wing group that has previously protested against Husain’s artworks, submitted a memorandum to the offices of the Maharashtra Chief Minister, the Mumbai Police Commissioner, and the District Collector. The group demanded a ban on the auction and threatened public protests. However, the protest was later called off, allowing the auction to proceed without disruption.
Strong Market Demand Despite Controversy
The high interest in Husain’s works reflects his enduring legacy in Indian and global art circles. “The sale exceeded expectations,” said Dadiba Pundole, director of Pundole’s, after the auction concluded. He also emphasized the historical and cultural significance of the artworks, calling them “an important part of India’s cultural history.”
The proceeds from the auction will be deposited with the Mumbai Sheriff, who will in turn transfer the funds to a court-appointed official as directed by the Bombay High Court.
What's Next?
While the sale marks a significant moment for the Indian art market, it also highlights the complex intersections of art, politics, and legal battles. Husain’s work continues to inspire admiration and debate more than a decade after his death.
With collectors paying crores for his visionary paintings — and with courts playing an unexpected role in art circulation — this event underscores the ever-evolving legacy of M.F. Husain, one of India’s most celebrated yet polarizing artists.
Key Highlights:
- Total Sales: ₹68.5 crore (excluding buyer’s premium and GST)
- Auctioneer: Pundole’s, South Mumbai
- Court Order: Bombay High Court mandated auction to recover dues from NAFED loan case
- Top Sales: Triptych at ₹9.5 crore, Gandhi-themed canvas at ₹8.5 crore
- Buyer: Same bidder acquired both top-selling pieces
- Security: Auction held under police surveillance after threats from right-wing group
- Historical Context: Paintings linked to Husain’s Our Planet Called Earth series
- Legacy: Husain remains a globally respected but politically contentious figure in Indian art
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