On Monday, the Karnataka High Court dismissed multiple public interest litigations (PILs) filed against the state government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning Kannada writer Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festival this year. The petitions were filed by various petitioners, including former BJP MP Pratap Simha, protesting the state's invitation to Mushtaq.
The Mysuru district administration formally invited Banu Mushtaq on September 3, 2025, to inaugurate the Dasara festivities commencing on September 22 and concluding on October 2, Vijayadashami day. Traditionally, the festival begins with floral offerings and Vedic rituals at the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills. The petitions alleged that Mushtaq’s past statements were "anti-Hindu" and argued that her selection disrespected the religious sentiments and customs of the festival.
Petitioners contended that the state's choice of a non-Hindu inaugurator, especially one accused of criticizing local religious traditions, infringed upon their constitutional and religious rights. They asserted that Dasara’s inauguration involves Hindu rituals that should not be presided over by someone outside those faiths. Pratap Simha and others called for the withdrawal of Mushtaq’s invitation.
A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C M Joshi examined submissions by the petitioners and the Karnataka Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty. The Advocate General argued that Dasara is a secular and cultural festival celebrated by all communities in the state, including Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and Jains. He stressed that selecting an eminent personality in arts and literature lies within the government's discretionary powers and underscored the history of Mysuru Dasara being celebrated inclusively even under historical Muslim rulers like Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The court stated it was not persuaded that inviting a person from a different faith violated legal or constitutional rights.
The Court dismissed all petitions challenging Banu Mushtaq’s role as the chief guest for Mysuru Dasara 2025, affirming the government's authority to select the inaugurator. The bench made clear that reducing this state festival to a religious ceremony exclusive to one community was a narrow interpretation contrary to constitutional secular values. The court’s ruling supports the inclusive spirit of Mysuru Dasara celebrations.
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