In a packed courtroom on Monday, the Karnataka High Court at Bengaluru heard heated arguments on whether a non- Hindu could be the chief guest at Mysuru's iconic Dasara inauguration. The controversy revolved around the government's decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to light the ceremonial lamp at Chamundeshwari Temple on September 22, 2025.
Background
The petitions, filed by BJP MP Prathap Simha, activist H.S. Gaurav, and others, argued that allowing Mushtaq- a Muslim and outspoken writer- was an affront to Hindu beliefs. They claimed the role of chief guest required participation in rituals like ''Deepa Prajwalam'' (lighting of the sacred lamp) and floral offerings, which, according to them, only a Hindu could perform under Agamic traditions.
Counsels for the petitioners stressed that Mushtaq's earlier remarks were ''anti- Hindu and anti- Kannada,'' making her presence at the event even more unacceptable. Supreme Court rulings on religious rights were cited, with lawyers insisting the invitation violated Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which protect religious freedoms.
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Court's Observations
Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru, who dictated the order, appeared unconvinced.
''The petitioner's right to practice or propagate their religion is not curtailed in any manner by extending invitation to respondent No. 4,''
the bench observed. Justice C.M. Joshi agreed, adding that participation of individuals from diverse faiths in state functions could not be construed as a constitutional breach.
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The State's Advocate General, K. Shashikiran Shetty, reminded the bench that Dasara was a state- sponsored cultural festival, not merely a temple function. He pointed out that even in 2017, poet Dr. Nissar Ahmed had inaugurated the same event.
''This is not about faith, but about honoring accomplished citizens,'' he said firmly.
The court noted Mushtaq's long record of public service: from her work as a municipal councillor in Hassan to chairing women’s forums and hospital boards. Recognizing her as a Booker Prize laureate of 2025, the judges stressed that the selection committee, comprising representatives from multiple parties, had acted well within its powers.
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Decision
Dismissing the petitions, the bench concluded that no constitutional right was infringed.
''Participation of a person practicing a particular faith in celebrations of another religion does not offend the Constitution,'' the order stated.
With that, the High Court cleared the way for Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara atop the Chamundi Hills.
