Bengaluru, 15 Sept

The Karnataka High Court on Monday rejected petitions challenging the state government’s decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara festivities this year.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice CM Joshi dismissed four PILs, including one by former BJP MP Pratap Simha, ruling that petitioners had shown no constitutional or legal violation.

“We are not persuaded that a person from a different faith inaugurating a state function would violate any legal or constitutional right,” the bench observed.

The district administration formally invited Mushtaq on 3 September despite objections from BJP leaders, who cited her past remarks on Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and alleged “anti-Hindu” views. Critics said her selection disrespects the festival’s traditions, which begin with Vedic rituals at Chamundeshwari temple.

Advocate General K Shashikiran Shetty defended the decision, noting the inauguration is a state function and the selection committee included representatives across political parties.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of politicising the event, saying Dasara is a people’s festival (‘Nada Habba’) and Mushtaq’s invitation honours her global recognition.

This year’s celebrations will run from 22 September to 2 October.