The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging the Karnataka government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the prestigious Mysuru Dasara festivities this year.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected an appeal filed by petitioner H S Gaurav, who had approached the top court against a September 15 order of the Karnataka High Court. The high court had earlier dismissed similar pleas opposing the government’s decision. The 10-day cultural extravaganza is scheduled to begin on September 22.
The petitioner argued that the inaugural rituals of Dasara, which take place at the Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru, constitute essential religious practices under Article 25 of the Constitution and cannot be performed by a non-Hindu. According to the plea, the inauguration involves traditional worship, including lighting of the ceremonial lamp and offering kumkum, turmeric, fruits, and flowers before the sanctum sanctorum of Goddess Chamundeshwari — rituals governed by Agamic traditions.
The petitioner contended that allowing a non-Hindu to perform these acts amounted to a violation of religious freedom and customary practice. However, both the high court and the Supreme Court found no merit in the argument and refused to interfere with the state government’s decision.
