Karnataka High Court Hears Petition Against Banu Mushtaq Inaugurating Mysuru Dussehra Festival
In a heated legal battle brewing in Bengaluru, the Karnataka High Court is diving into a controversial petition from former BJP MP Pratap Simha. He wants the court to block the Congress-led government’s plan to have Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq kick off the famous Mysuru Dussehra festival. The hearing kicked off on Monday, with a bench led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru listening to arguments.
Senior counsel Sudarshan, representing Simha, fired off strong points right away. He highlighted the age-old tradition of the Dussehra inauguration, where everyone pays floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari amid Vedic chants, mantras, and religious rituals. "Inviting Banu Mushtaq goes against this sacred custom," Sudarshan argued, adding that many people, including Hindu groups and even the Mysuru royal family, oppose her role.
Sudarshan didn’t hold back on why. He accused Banu Mushtaq of making anti-Hindu statements and criticizing the Kannada language. Specifically, he pointed to her alleged objectionable remarks against Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and the Kannada flag, which features symbolic yellow (haldi) and red (sindoor) colors. To back it up, the counsel shared English translations and video clips of these statements in court.
But Chief Justice Bakhru pushed back thoughtfully. "In our country, voicing opinions isn’t a crime," he said. He pressed Simha’s team to clarify which fundamental right under the Constitution the government’s decision violates. "You can share your views at the right place too—just tell us exactly what’s been infringed," the judge added.
This case has sparked a big uproar. The BJP and various Hindu outfits have slammed the Karnataka government’s choice of Banu Mushtaq for the historic Dussehra festivities in Mysuru. The festival, a massive 10-day celebration honoring Goddess Chamundeshwari, draws crowds from across India and symbolizes good over evil. Yet, the state stands firm. Deputy Chief Minister and Congress President D.K. Shivakumar stirred more controversy by saying Chamundi Hills isn’t just for Hindus, a remark that’s upset many.
Simha filed the petition after the government rolled out the red carpet for Banu Mushtaq, ignoring growing protests. In his plea, he stressed that the inauguration demands deep respect for Hindu traditions—no shortcuts. He also alleged the decision skipped any public consultation and ignored her views against Kannada pride. "This hurts Hindu sentiments deeply," Simha wrote, noting the royal family’s strong opposition too.
The drama doesn’t stop there. Three more Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have landed in the Karnataka High Court, all challenging Banu Mushtaq’s invitation to inaugurate the Mysuru Dussehra. As the festival approaches, eyes are on the court’s next move—will it uphold tradition or let the government’s call stand? Stay tuned for updates on this Dussehra controversy.
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