New Delhi, September 19 – The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to urgently hear a plea questioning the Karnataka government’s decision to invite Booker Prize–winning author Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest for the upcoming Mysuru Dasara celebrations. The festival’s inauguration is fixed for September 22, prompting the petitioners to seek immediate relief.
Background
A group of petitioners had approached the Karnataka High Court earlier this week, arguing that Mushtaq’s public statements were allegedly “anti-Hindu” and that her participation would offend religious sentiments. The High Court, however, refused to intervene on September 15. It reasoned that the government’s choice of chief guest for a state-sponsored festival was a matter of discretion, not a constitutional violation.
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The petitioners, unsatisfied with the verdict, moved the Supreme Court, contending that the state should not select someone who, in their view, had previously disrespected Hindu beliefs. Senior advocates representing the group mentioned the matter before Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai, citing the fast-approaching date of the event.
Court’s Observations
In its detailed order, the Karnataka High Court underlined that the Dasara festivities are a government-organized cultural celebration, not a purely religious ritual. “Undisputedly, the festivities are organized by the State every year. And, an accomplished person is called for the inaugural ceremony,” the Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi noted.
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The bench highlighted Mushtaq’s credentials, describing her as an accomplished author, lawyer, and social activist. “The extension of invitation to respondent No.4 does not fall foul of any of the values enshrined in the Constitution of India,” the court observed. It added that the participation of a person from one faith in a festival associated with another faith does not infringe on anyone’s fundamental rights under Articles 25 and 26, which guarantee freedom of religion.
The judges also pointed out Mushtaq’s long record of public service-ranging from her tenure on the Hassan City Municipal Council to her role as Chairperson of the Visitor's Board of Chamarajendra Hospital.
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Decision
After hearing the mention, Chief Justice Gavai agreed to list the appeal for Friday, a day before the Mysuru event. The top court’s decision on whether to stay the state invitation will directly determine if Mushtaq inaugurates the famous Dasara festivities. For now, the High Court’s order stands, clearing the way for the author to grace the stage unless the Supreme Court decides otherwise tomorrow.
Case Title: SC to Hear Plea Against Karnataka HC Order Allowing Banu Mushtaq to Inaugurate Mysuru Dasara
Respondent: Booker Prize–winning author Banu Mushtaq, invited as chief guest by the Karnataka government.
Petitioners’ Claim: Alleged her past remarks were “anti-Hindu,” hurting religious sentiments.
