In a reprieve for painter M F Husain [Images], the Delhi High Court on Thursday quashed criminal proceedings against the artist for allegedly hurting public sentiments by painting obscene pictures of Hindu goddesses.

"The matter (allegation) is baseless," Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said, while granting relief to the 91-year-old painter.

It is a matter of having different perspectives and cannot be the basis for initiating criminal proceedings, Justice Kaul said.

The court quashed the proceedings initiated against Husain on the basis of complaints filed at three different places.

Earlier, it had stayed the proceedings on these complaints.

Husain is living in self-exile in Dubai after a series of protests against the controversial paintings.

The cases filed in different states were earlier clubbed on the direction of the Supreme Court and were being heard by the Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate at Patiala House Court in New Delhi.