Supreme Court Dismisses Plea Against Banu Mushtaq’s Invite for Dasara Festival

The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a petition challenging the Karnataka Government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq as the Chief Guest to inaugurate the upcoming Dasara festival at the Chamundi Temple, Mysuru.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected the plea after a brief hearing. Senior Advocate PB Suresh, representing the petitioner, argued that only a Hindu could perform the puja rituals. Justice Nath firmly responded, “Dismissed,” repeating the word thrice when the counsel persisted with objections.

The petitioner claimed that Banu Mushtaq had earlier made statements hurting religious sentiments and that a non-Hindu should not be invited for temple-related rituals. The Court, however, stood by its decision and refused to entertain the plea further.

Earlier, on September 15, the Karnataka High Court had dismissed similar petitions. It held that inviting Mushtaq did not violate constitutional values. The High Court underlined that participation of people from other faiths in festivals does not harm constitutional rights. It also recognised that Mushtaq is an accomplished author, lawyer, and social activist.

The State Government defended its decision, clarifying that the Dasara celebrations are organised by the State and not by a temple authority, hence there was no question of religious discrimination. The High Court further noted that in the past, eminent personalities from diverse fields like science, education, literature, and freedom struggle had been invited.

The Court also highlighted that the selection was made by a committee consisting of elected representatives and officials, and no religious denomination had objected to the event. It concluded that the invitation to Banu Mushtaq does not infringe upon any religious or constitutional rights.

Case Title: H.S. Gaurav v. State of Karnataka & Ors., SLP(C) No. 26999/2025