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Key Points

The Supreme Court has decisively dismissed a petition challenging Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq's invitation to inaugurate Mysuru's Dussehra festival. The court's ruling upholds the Karnataka government's stance that the event is a cultural celebration, not a strictly religious ceremony. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected arguments about religious sentiments and potential offensive remarks. The decision highlights the ongoing dialogue about cultural inclusivity and traditional festival practices in India.

Key Points: SC Backs Banu Mushtaq's Mysuru Dussehra Inauguration

  • Supreme Court rejects petition challenging Banu Mushtaq's Dussehra inauguration
  • Karnataka High Court previously dismissed religious sentiments objections
  • Congress government maintains festival is cultural, not exclusively religious
  • Mushtaq faced criticism for alleged anti-Hindu and anti-Kannada remarks
2 min read

SC dismisses plea against Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dussehra

Supreme Court dismisses plea against Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Karnataka's historic Dussehra festival amid religious controversy

"Dussehra is a 'Nada Habba (festival of the land)' and not strictly a religious event - D.K. Shivakumar, Deputy Chief Minister"

New Delhi, Sep 19

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition seeking a stay on the Congress-led Karnataka government's decision to have Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the historic and world-famous Dussehra festival in Mysuru city.

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta remained unimpressed with the submission that a non-Hindu person cannot be allowed to perform pujas, particularly when the invitee, Banu Mushtaq, had in the past made certain objectionable remarks hurting religious sentiments.

Earlier on Thursday, Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai agreed to list the special leave petition (SLP) on September 19 after it was mentioned for urgent hearing.

The SLP before the apex court challenged the Karnataka High Court's dismissal of the public interest litigations (PILs) that questioned the Congress-led state government's decision to invite Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dussehra.

There is a tradition of offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari during the inauguration of Dussehra, and opposition has arisen to Banu Mushtaq inaugurating the festival.

In its decision delivered on September 15, a bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi of the Karnataka High Court observed that no rights had been violated. It added that the Vijaya Dashami festival is celebrated across the country, and it signifies the victory of good over evil.

Terming the decision of the Congress-led state government to invite Banu Mushtaq for the inauguration of Dussehra "incorrect", the petitioners claimed that she has issued anti-Hindu statements and made remarks against the Kannada language.

Banu Mushtaq had reportedly made objectionable statements against Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and the Kannada flag.

She also reportedly objected to the Kannada flag, which consists of haldi (yellow) and red (sindoor) colours. One of the PILs, filed by a Bengaluru-based resident, H.S. Gourav, pleaded that the act of inaugurating Dussehra should be declared an integral part of Hindu tradition and must be performed by Hindu dignitaries.

However, the Karnataka government has reiterated its stance to have the Dussehra festival inaugurated by Banu Mushtaq.

The government has maintained that Dussehra is a 'Nada Habba (festival of the land)' and not strictly a religious event. Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar's statement that Chamundi Hills is not exclusive to Hindus added to the furore.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I respect the court's decision, I feel traditions should be maintained. Dussehra has religious significance for Hindus, and someone who has made anti-Hindu remarks shouldn't be given this honor. It's about respecting sentiments.
A
Aditya G
Mysuru Dussehra is Karnataka's pride and a cultural festival that brings everyone together. The government is right in calling it 'Nada Habba' - it belongs to all Kannadigas regardless of religion. Let's celebrate unity! 🎉
S
Sarah B
As someone who has attended Mysuru Dussehra, I can say it's a magnificent cultural spectacle that transcends religion. The court made the right call - inclusivity strengthens our democracy.
Karthik V
The real issue isn't about religion but about respecting local culture and sentiments. If someone has made objectionable remarks about Kannada language and symbols, maybe they aren't the best choice regardless of their religious background.
M
Michael C
Interesting to see how India balances tradition with modernity. The courts have consistently upheld secular values while respecting religious sentiments. This seems like a reasonable middle ground.
N
Nisha Z
Instead of fighting over who inaugurates, let's focus on making Dussehra celebrations grand and meaningful. The festival message of victory of good over evil is what truly matters. Jai Chamundeshwari

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