New Delhi, September 19, 2025 – The Supreme Court today dismissed a plea challenging the Karnataka High Court’s order approving the state government’s decision to invite Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest for the Dasara festival inauguration at Chamundi Temple, Mysuru, on September 22. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected the petition after a brief hearing.
Senior Advocate PB Suresh, representing the petitioner, argued that a non-Hindu should not perform pujas, calling it a religious act and citing alleged past remarks by Mushtaq that hurt religious sentiments. Justice Nath repeatedly stated, “Dismissed,” and remarked, “We have said ‘dismissed’ three times. How many dismissals are required?” The plea was urgently listed yesterday after the petitioner noted the event’s proximity, with CJI BR Gavai agreeing to hear it today.
On September 15, the Karnataka High Court had dismissed similar petitions, stating that inviting Mushtaq, an accomplished Kannada author, lawyer, and activist whose anthology Heart Lamp won the International Booker Prize in May, did not violate constitutional values. The court emphasized that the state-organized Dasara festivities, not managed by a temple or religious body, have historically invited luminaries like scientists and authors, irrespective of religion. It ruled that Mushtaq’s participation, including lighting a sacred lamp or offering prayers, did not infringe any legal or constitutional rights.
The High Court noted the decision was made by a committee of elected representatives and officials, and no religious denomination’s rights were curtailed. The petitioners had argued that only Hindus should perform the rituals, but the state countered that the event’s secular nature allows non-discriminatory invitations.
Appearances: Senior Advocate PB Suresh, AoR Nidhi Sahay, Advocates Vipin Nair, Sughosh Subramanyam, Deeksha Gupta, Pushpita Basak, MB Ramya, and Aditya Narendranath (for petitioner).