In a brief but pointed hearing today, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging the Karnataka Government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq as the Chief Guest for the Dasara festival inauguration at Mysuru’s Chamundi Temple.
The Division Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta concluded the matter succinctly. When Senior Advocate PB Suresh, appearing for the petitioner, contended that a non-Hindu cannot perform puja rituals, Justice Nath stated simply, “Dismissed.” Further objections raised, questioning the secular nature of the event and citing past remarks allegedly offending religious sentiments, were met with the same response. Justice Nath remarked, “We have said 'dismissed' 3 times. How many dismissals are required?”
The dispute had arisen following the Karnataka High Court’s September 15 order, which had upheld the State’s decision to invite Mushtaq, author of Heart Lamp, which won the International Booker Prize last year. The High Court observed, “Participation of a person practising a particular faith or religion, in celebrations of festivals of other religion does not offend the rights available under the Constitution of India.”
The High Court noted that Mushtaq is “an accomplished author, a lawyer and a social activist,” and that her invitation did not contravene constitutional principles. The petitioners had argued that non-Hindus cannot partake in Hindu religious rituals, including lighting the sacred lamp, offering fruits and flowers, and chanting Vedic prayers. The State countered, emphasizing that the event is organized by the government and not a religious institution, thereby negating claims of religious discrimination.
Further, the High Court highlighted that the Dasara festivities have historically featured participation from accomplished individuals across fields such as science, education, literature, and social service, selected by a committee comprising elected representatives and government officials. It concluded that "We are unable to accept that any legal or constitutional right of the petitioners is violated by extending the invitation to respondent No.4 to inaugurate the State sponsored Dasara festivities. In our view, 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 also clarified that "No right of any religious denomination or any Section thereon has been curtailed or restricted. None of the persons managing any religious denomination have come forward to claim that their right to maintain their institutions for religious and charitable purposes is being violated."
With the Apex Court’s dismissal, the Karnataka Government is set to host the inauguration of the Dasara festival with Banu Mushtaq as Chief Guest on September 22, marking a rare instance of inclusive participation in a state-organized cultural celebration.
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