Plea In Karnataka High Court Challenges State Govt Move To Invite Banu Mushtaq As Chief Guest For Dasara Celebrations

A petition has been filed in the Karnataka High Court, challenging the decision of the State Government to nominate Booker prize winner Banu Mushtaq as the Chief Guest for the inauguration of the upcoming Dasara Festival in Mysuru.

BJP Leader Prathap Simha has moved the petition seeking a direction to the State government to withdraw the invitation extended to Mushtaq as the Chief Guest for the upcoming Dasara festival.

The plea claims that Dasara Festival commemorates the victory of Goddess Chamundeshwari over the demon Mahishasura and marks the culmination of the Navaratri celebrations. It is a deeply religious and cultural tradition that has been intrinsically associated with the heritage and patronage of the Mysuru Royal Family. It has, over generations, been a time-honoured practice that the State Government consults the Royal Family in matters relating to the inauguration and ceremonial observance of the festival.

However, the decision to invite Banu Mushtaq as the inaugural guest has drawn widespread criticism and public dissent. Notably, the decision has been publicly opposed by Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the current head of the Mysuru Royal Family; Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, the widow of the late King and Queen Mother of the Royal Family.

Further it is contended that the Impugned decision of the State Government not only disregards the religious sensitivities and cultural sentiments of the people of Karnataka but also undermines a long-standing tradition that forms a vital part of the spiritual and cultural identity of the region. The role of the Royal Family, particularly in the conduct of the Dasara Festival, is not merely ceremonial but deeply rooted in the region's religious customs and community expectations.

The plea also states that the issue falls squarely within the ambit of Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution of India, which guarantee the fundamental right to freedom of religion and the right to manage religious affairs. Considering the religious nature of the Dasara Festival and the well-established practices surrounding its observance, the State's decision must be held accountable to the constitutional mandate of respecting religious freedoms and community traditions.

The plea also claimed that Mushtaq, the person nominated by the State, has been associated in the past with controversial and allegedly divisive remarks, Including anti-Hindu and anti-Kannada statements. Thus it is submitted that in light of such a background, her nomination as the face of a sacred, widely celebrated Hindu festival is not only inappropriate but also provocative, with the potential to disturb public harmony.

The plea states that action of the State Government is therefore manifestly arbitrary, lacking in transparency, and violative of the principles of fairness, equality, and secular respect that are fundamental to the Indian Constitution. It reflects a disregard for public sentiment, religious tradition, and constitutional morality.

The plea is likely to be mentioned for early hearing on Monday.

Case Title: Prathap Simha AND State of Karnataka

Appearance: Advocates Sudharsan Suresh, Sainath DM, Neha V and Soumya DS for Petitioner.