September 18, 2025

The stage is set for a fiery Supreme Court hearing on Friday, September 19, over the hotly debated choice of Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest for the grand Mysuru Dasara festival inauguration scheduled on September 22. This festival, steeped in rich tradition, is now in the eye of a storm as a petition challenges the Karnataka government's decision to invite a non-Hindu to open the celebrations. A lawyer urged Chief Justice of India Bhushan R Gavai for a fast hearing, emphasizing the urgency because the event is just days away. "This is a challenge to the Karnataka government’s decision to invite a non-Hindu for inaugurating the Dasara festival. The event is scheduled for September 22 and that is why we are requesting for an urgent hearing," said the counsel. This legal tussle follows the recent dismissal by the Karnataka High Court of three similar petitions, including one filed by BJP MP Pratap Simha, who objected to Mushtaq's invite citing her faith and some past comments. On September 15, the High Court bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru firmly shot down these petitions, declaring, "We are not persuaded to accept that permitting persons of different faith to the function organised by the State violates any legal or constitutional right of petitioners or in any manner is opposed to values enshrined in the Constitution of India. Accordingly, petitions are dismissed." The court also clarified that Mysuru's Dasara is a state festival called Naada Habba, where everyone belongs, not solely a religious ritual. They noted that no temple or trustee had issues with the government's invite, underlining that India is a secular nation. "This is a secular State. You tell us how is Article 26 attracted," the bench asked critics. Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty added fuel to the argument, reminding the court that poet Nisar Ahmed, another Muslim, was chief guest in 2017, and even Pratap Simha attended without protest. The invitation, he said, was made by a 62-member committee of parliamentarians and legislators from all parties. Despite the legal victory, the debate is aflame outside courtrooms. BJP leaders like Union minister Shobha Karandlaje contended that a Muslim writer shouldn't inaugurate a festival honoring Goddess Chamundeshwari. Even Mysuru's royal family has split views: BJP MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar wants Mushtaq to publicly express respect for the goddess, while Pramoda Devi Wadiyar calls Dasara a cultural event but affirms the temple's Hindu significance. On the flip side, the Karnataka Congress stands tall behind the invite. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar insist Dasara belongs to everyone. Labour Minister Santosh Lad shot a sharp question, asking, "Does the Constitution anywhere bar Mushtaq from inaugurating it?" The star of the controversy, Banu Mushtaq, is happily embracing the moment. She spoke fondly of her childhood memories watching the grand Jambu Savari procession and said, "Dasara is everyone’s festival, it is the Naada Habba. Calling Chamundeshwari mother, calling it Naada Habba is part of our culture. I am happy I have been invited to inaugurate it." As the Supreme Court prepares to hear arguments, all eyes are on the intersection of tradition, faith, and India’s vibrant culture. Will the festival spirit triumph over controversy? Stay tuned!

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Tags: Supreme court, Karnataka government, Banu mushtaq, Dasara festival, Booker prize, Mysuru,