Film star Sanjay Dutt has been granted relief by the Allahabad High Court which stayed the criminal proceedings against the actor in a sessions court in Uttar Pradesh, a lawyer said Friday.

Justice V.K. Narayan stayed the proceedings against Dutt in a lower court in Mau over allegedly indecent remarks made by him against then chief minister Mayawati in 2009.

Counsel for Dutt said that the high court stayed the proceedings Thursday and issued notices to the respondents.

The alleged "indecent remarks" were made by the Bollywood star during a public rally organised by supporters of the Samajwadi Party, which came to power in the state in March.

A case was slapped on the actor by police in Mau for allegedly making uncharitable remarks against Mayawati in Dakshin Tola area.

The first information report was registered against Dutt under penal provisions carrying a maximum punishment of one year. He was also booked under sections of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

Police, after a probe, filed a charge sheet against Dutt. He was yet to appear before the trial court which had summoned him.