Newly married British model Elizabeth Hurley (left) and Indian businessman Arun Nayar (right) arrive for a private dinner party in Mumbai late March 5. - Reuters

Elizabeth Hurley has been called a criminal in India for marrying in a traditional Hindu ceremony.

The model-and-actress jetted off to India for a week of traditional Hindu ceremonies, but angry locals insist she has broken the law.

Vishnu Khandewal, from Jodhpur, claims under 295a of the Indian Penal Code - which deals with "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings".

It is against the law to marry in a Hindu ceremony if you are not a Hindu.

Khandewal said: "She has hurt the religious sentiments of the community by marrying in Hindu style, which is a criminal offence."

His allegations will reportedly be heard in a Jodhpur court on March 21.

No comment

Hurley's representatives have not commented on the matter.

Hurley, who is currently honeymooning with new husband Arun Nayar in the Maldives, was left red-faced when Indian locals dubbed her the "oldest bride they had ever seen".

Hindu girls usually marry in their late teens or early 20s, almost half the age of 41-year-old Hurley.

- Bangshowbiz