Richard Gere prepares to hug Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty during and event for HIV-AIDS awareness in New Delhi, 16 Apr 2007

A court in India has ordered the arrest of Hollywood movie star Richard Gere for kissing Bollywood actress Shilpa Shetty at an AIDS awareness event earlier this month.

The arrest warrant was issued Thursday in the northern state of Jaipur, in response to a complaint by a local citizen. It accuses Gere of violating India's strict public obscenity laws.

Shilpa Shetty also has been summoned to appear in court May 5.

Under Indian law, a person convicted of public obscenity faces up to three months in prison, a fine or both.

Gere was in New Delhi promoting AIDS awareness when he repeatedly kissed Shetty on the cheek. The incident sparked outrage from some conservative groups in India.

The Hollywood star visits India often to promote health issues and the cause of Tibetan exiles.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.