Justice Vikram Nath-led bench to hear plea opposing choice of Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dussehra festival
Supreme Court to Hear Plea Against Banu Mushtaq Inaugurating Mysuru Dussehra Festival
A Supreme Court bench will soon decide on a urgent plea to stop the Karnataka government from letting Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq kick off the famous Dussehra festival in Mysuru. This comes amid growing controversy over traditions and who’s fit to inaugurate the event.
The hearing is scheduled for Friday, September 19, before Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta. Chief Justice B.R. Gavai agreed to fast-track the case after lawyers pushed for an early slot.
The petition challenges a recent Karnataka High Court ruling that dismissed public interest litigations (PILs) against the Congress-led government’s choice. On September 15, a High Court bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi said no one’s rights were hurt. They pointed out that Dussehra, also known as Vijaya Dashami, celebrates good triumphing over evil and isn’t limited to religious boundaries—it’s a nationwide festival.
But petitioners aren’t backing down. They argue the decision is wrong because Banu Mushtaq has made anti-Hindu remarks and criticized the Kannada language. Reports claim she targeted Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and opposed the Kannada flag’s yellow (haldi) and red (sindoor) colors, which hold deep cultural meaning.
One key PIL, filed by Bengaluru resident H.S. Gourav, insists Dussehra’s inauguration is a core Hindu tradition. It calls for only Hindu dignitaries to perform rituals like offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari at the historic Chamundi Hills.
The Karnataka government stands firm. They see Dussehra as "Nada Habba"—the festival of the land—and not just a religious affair open only to Hindus. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stirred more debate by saying Chamundi Hills belongs to everyone, not just one community.
As the Supreme Court steps in, eyes are on how this clash between tradition, inclusivity, and free speech plays out for the world-renowned Mysuru Dussehra celebrations.
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