The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea challenging the Karnataka government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festivities this year.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and also comprising Justice K. Vinod Chandran was requested to urgently list the matter as the festival is set to begin on September 22.
During the brief hearing, counsel for the petitioners submitted that “a non-Hindu has been allowed to perform Agreshwari puja at the Mysuru temple on September 22 in Karnataka.” Taking note of the urgency, the CJI remarked, “Ok,” indicating that the matter would be heard.
Earlier, on September 15, the Karnataka High Court had dismissed multiple petitions that sought to restrain the state government from inviting Mushtaq. The bench refused to entertain four PILs, including one filed by former BJP MP Pratap Simha, noting that the petitioners had failed to show any constitutional or legal violation.
In its order, the court observed:
“We are not persuaded to accept that a person from a different faith inaugurating a function organised by the state would violate a legal or constitutional right of the petitioners or any values enshrined in the Constitution. The petitions stand dismissed.”
The Mysuru district administration had formally invited Mushtaq on September 3 despite opposition from sections of the public and the BJP. Critics allege that Mushtaq has made past statements perceived as “anti-Hindu” and “anti-Kannada.”
The inauguration of Mysuru Dasara traditionally involves showering flowers on the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari—the presiding deity of Mysuru—amid chanting of Vedic hymns at the Chamundeshwari Temple.
Dasara festivities will run from September 22 to October 2, culminating with Vijayadashami celebrations.
