On March 14, 2007 in a verdict, Supreme Court of India stayed arrest warrant issued against Hollywood Star Richard Gere for publicly kissing Bollywood star Shilpa Shetty during a event held for HIV- AIDS awareness programme in New Delhi on 16th April, 2007 under Obscenity Act.

This public kissing offended the feelings of the Hindu hardliners- who- alleged pair of being maligning India’s conservative culture. Consequently an Indian judge issued an arrest warrant against Gere and summoned Shetty, however summons against Shetty was suspended later on. Gere who is a die-hard devout Buddhist is deeply involved in act of charities in India related to HIV and Orphans.