Haryana Banquet Hall Controversy: Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini Portraits Used As Restroom Signs at Milan Banquet Hall in Sikri, Video Surfaces
A Haryana banquet hall (Milan Banquet Hall) is facing intense backlash after using portraits of Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini as restroom signs. The incident came to light after a video showing the portraits inside the washroom went viral on social media. It is reported that the portraits were removed shortly after a protest intensified.
Mumbai, February 23: A banquet hall in Haryana has sparked widespread public outrage and calls for legal action after a viral video revealed the use of historical icons as signage for restrooms. The footage, which began circulating on social media over the weekend, shows portraits of the Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the legendary Queen Rani Padmini placed on the doors of male and female toilets at Milan Banquet Hall, respectively.
Viral Footage Sparks Public Backlash
The controversy erupted when a visitor to the banquet hall recorded the signage and shared it on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). The video shows a portrait of Shivaji Maharaj affixed to the wall inside the men's restroom and a portrait of Rani Padmini placed on the wall inside the women's washroom. YouTuber Attacked by Mob for Filming Near Jama Masjid During Shivaji Maharaj Procession in Hyderabad’s Amberpet.
Viewers quickly condemned the establishment for "gross disrespect" toward figures held in high cultural and historical esteem. Many social media users tagged local authorities and the Chief Minister's Office, demanding the immediate sealing of the hall and the arrest of the management for hurting religious and regional sentiments.
Video Shows Portraits of Shivaji Maharaj and Rani Padmini Used as Washroom Signage
This Is Absolutely Unacceptable, Says Varsha Gaikwad
Police Intervention and Management Response
It is reported that following the viral spread of the video, several local organisations filed a formal complaint at the nearest police station. It is also learned that protesters gathered outside the banquet hall and demanded an unconditional apology and the removal of the portraits. Preliminary reports indicate that the local police have initiated an inquiry into the matter. While the management of the banquet hall has not yet released an official statement, local sources suggest the portraits were removed shortly after the protest intensified. Monkey Attack in Haryana: Viral Video Shows Monkeys Attacking Elderly Woman Outside Home in Bahadurgarh.
Authorities are currently investigating whether the act falls under sections of the law pertaining to deliberate intent to outrage religious feelings or insult historical figures. Several social media users, including Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, condemned the incident.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 23, 2026 08:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).