Plea filed before Supreme Court against Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Dasara festival in Karnataka

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to the urgent listing of a petition challenging Karnataka High Court's refusal to interfere with the State government's decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq as Chief Guest to inaugurate Dasara festivities in Mysuru.

The matter was mentioned before Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai for urgent hearing as the event is scheduled to take place on September 22. The Court agreed to hear the challenge on Friday.

A Division Bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi of the High Court had on September 15 rejected a batch of petitions claiming that Mushtaq's participation would hurt the sentiments of people as she has made "anti-Hindu" statements in the past.

The High Court said Mushtaq is an accomplished person and none of guarantees recognized under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution are offended in the case.

"Undisputedly, the festivities are organized by the State every year. And, an accomplished person is called for the inaugural ceremony. The persons in the past have included scientists, educationists, authors, freedom fighters. Undisputedly, respondent No.4 is an accomplished author and 2025 Booker Prize winner. She is also a lawyer and a social activist. She has also served in various public offices, including being a Member of the Hassan City Municipal Council, Chairperson of the Visitor's Board of Chamarajendra Hospital, Member of the State Library Authority and Chairperson of the Hassan District Samata Vedike and Women's Development Forum," the bench said.

Participation of a person practicing a particular faith or religion, in celebrations of festivals of other religion does not offend the rights available under Constitution of India, the High Court ruled.

"In our view, the extension of invitation to respondent No.4 does not fall foul of any of the values enshrined in the Constitution of India," it further said.