The bench held that someone from another faith inaugurating a state cultural festival does not constitute any violation of constitutional provisions.
Bengaluru
The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed multiple petitions challenging the state government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, ruling that no constitutional or legal rights had been violated.
A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice C.M. Joshi rejected four PILs, including one filed by former BJP MP Pratap Simha, which objected to Mushtaq’s selection on religious grounds. The bench observed that a person belonging to a different faith inaugurating a state-sponsored cultural festival did not amount to a breach of constitutional provisions.
The Mysuru district administration had extended the official invitation on September 3, despite opposition from BJP leaders who accused Mushtaq of making controversial remarks on Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and questioned her reverence toward Goddess Chamundeshwari. Critics alleged her role in inaugurating the festival undermined traditional practices, as Dasara festivities traditionally commence with rituals at the Chamundeshwari temple.
Defending the government, Advocate General K. Shashikiran Shetty argued that the inauguration was part of a state function, and the selection committee included members across party lines. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the opposition was politicising a cultural celebration, stressing that Dasara is Karnataka’s Nada Habba (people’s festival) and that Mushtaq’s invitation recognised her global literary achievements.
This year’s Mysuru Dasara festivities will run from September 22 to October 2, featuring cultural programmes, rituals, and the iconic Vijayadashami procession.
