New Delhi, 18 Sept

The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear a plea challenging the Karnataka government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Mysuru Dasara this year.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai and Justice K Vinod Chandran was urged that the festival will start on 22 September and the matter needed to be heard urgently.

"A non-Hindu has been allowed to perform Agreshwari puja at Mysuru temple on 22 September in Karnataka," a lawyer said, seeking an urgent hearing.

On 15 September, the Karnataka High Court had refused to hear four PILs on the issue, including one by former Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha, stating that the petitioners failed to demonstrate any constitutional or legal violation.

The appeal against the high court order was filed by HS Gaurav in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order.

The plea assailed the High Court’s reasoning, saying the inaugural rituals of Dasara, which take place at the Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills, are not merely symbolic but constitute an essential religious practice protected under Article 25 of the Constitution of India.

The inauguration involves lighting of the ceremonial lamp, offering of kumkum, turmeric, fruits, and flowers before the sanctum sanctorum of Goddess Chamundeshwari.

As per the plea, these are acts of Hindu worship governed by Agamic traditions, and cannot be performed by a non-Hindu.