The Karnataka High Court has recently dismissed petitions contesting the invitation extended to Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to serve as the chief guest for the upcoming Dasara festival in Mysuru. The court held that the inclusion of individuals of different faiths does not infringe upon anyone’s rights.
“We do not find sufficient grounds to assert that allowing individuals of varying faiths to participate in a state-organized function is a violation of any legal or constitutional rights,” stated the division bench, comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, after reviewing the case.
Three separate petitions were filed challenging the state government’s decision to invite Banu Mushtaq. Among the petitioners was BJP leader Pratap Simha, who sought to revoke the invitation.
During the proceedings, advocate S. Sudharshan, representing one of the petitioners, referenced remarks attributed to Mushtaq in 2023 that were allegedly anti-Kannada. He argued that as Dasara is primarily a Hindu festival, inaugurating it should be reserved for someone of the Hindu faith.
The bench questioned this stance, stating, “Are you suggesting that individuals in this country cannot express their opinions? Can you clarify what constitutional rights you are invoking?”
Sudharshan insisted that only a Hindu should inaugurate the festival, citing traditional Hindu practices regarding idol worship and rituals, and argued that invitees should affirm their faith in the deities involved.
Another lawyer raised concerns about whether a non-Hindu could effectively perform rituals for a Hindu goddess, suggesting it conflicts with Agama Shastra. In response, the bench clarified that the crux of the matter was not about religious restrictions. “If a person states they will adhere to the rituals, how can that be forbidden?” they queried, emphasizing that no temple or trustee had contested the invitation.
Advocate General Shashi Kiran Shetty defended the invitation, asserting that Dasara is a state festival that welcomes participation from all faiths and should not be reduced to a solely religious event. He noted that the invitation committee consists of 62 members, including representatives from various political parties.
“It is painful to label her as anti-Hindu,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of quelling divisive sentiments. He also pointed out that in 2017, poet Dr. Nisar Ahmed, a Muslim, was invited as the chief guest, and noted that Pratap Simha himself had previously participated in the festivities as an MP.
In response, Sudharshan argued that Ahmed had composed devotional poetry and had not made controversial remarks about Kannada, unlike Mushtaq.
Ultimately, the High Court dismissed the petitions, stating that Vijayadashami symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and is celebrated nationwide. The court concluded that inviting a person of a different faith as the chief guest does not violate any constitutional or religious rights.
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