The Karnataka High Court has rejected multiple petitions filed against the state government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize-winning writer Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year’s Mysuru Dasara festivities. A division bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice C M Joshi ruled that there was no constitutional or legal violation in allowing a person of a different faith to inaugurate the event. The court stated that the objections raised by the petitioners, including former BJP MP Pratap Simha, failed to demonstrate how Mushtaq’s participation undermined the values of the Constitution. The order has effectively cleared the way for Mushtaq to lead the traditional inauguration ceremony on September 22, which marks the beginning of the state festival.
The controversy erupted after critics resurfaced an old video of Mushtaq where she had questioned the worship of the Kannada language as Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, claiming it was exclusionary to minorities. Opposition leaders, particularly from the BJP, argued that her remarks reflected an “anti-Hindu” and “anti-Kannada” stance, thereby disrespecting the religious and cultural sentiments linked to Mysuru Dasara. The tradition, which begins with floral offerings to Goddess Chamundeshwari atop Chamundi Hills, is seen by many as deeply sacred. Demands were made for Mushtaq to clarify her reverence toward the goddess before she could inaugurate the festival, but she maintained that her words had been selectively misinterpreted and spread on social media to spark unnecessary outrage.
The state government, however, stood firm on its decision. Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty highlighted that the selection committee, which included representatives from multiple political parties and local lawmakers, had unanimously agreed on Mushtaq’s name. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also defended the move, describing Dasara as a “Nada Habba” — a state festival celebrated by people of all communities. He said Mushtaq’s invitation was not only symbolic but also an honour to her international literary recognition. With the High Court’s backing, the inauguration is now set to proceed as planned, and Mysuru will soon witness its grand festivities culminating in Vijayadashami on October 2.
