Mysore, September 15, 2025: The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by former MP Pratap Simha and others challenging the state government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest to inaugurate the world-renowned Mysore Dasara festival.

A division bench, led by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi, heard three separate petitions filed by Pratap Simha, Bengaluru-based entrepreneur T. Gireesh Kumar, and R. Soumya, the national vice-president of Abhinav Bharat Party. The petitioners sought a directive to the state government to withdraw the invitation to Mushtaq for this year’s Dasara inauguration.

The court ruled, “The petitioners have failed to demonstrate how the participation of a person from a different religion in a state-organized event violates any legal or constitutional rights. Therefore, these petitions are dismissed. A detailed order will be issued later.”

Advocate S. Sudarshan, representing Pratap Simha, argued that Mushtaq had made statements against Hindu traditions and Kannada culture. He further contended that the chief guest for Dasara is expected to visit the Chamundeshwari temple as per protocol, which Mushtaq had not followed. “Mushtaq does not believe in applying turmeric and vermilion. Dasara is a Hindu festival, not a secular one,” Sudarshan stated.

The bench responded, “What constitutional or legal right do you have to question Mushtaq’s selection? Following protocol is a personal matter.”

Advocate Ranganath Reddy, appearing for another petitioner, argued, “Hindu worship cannot be separated from Agama Shastra. The question is whether a non-Hindu can inaugurate Dasara. If Mushtaq clarifies her belief in Hindu deities, we have no objection.”

Advocate General K. Shashikiran Shetty, representing the state government, countered, “Pratap Simha should be fined. When he was an MP, Nisarga Ahmad inaugurated Dasara, and no objections were raised then. Bhanu Mushtaq, a Booker Prize winner, was chosen to inaugurate Dasara, a state festival, in line with Article 15 of the Constitution. The Dasara committee, comprising leaders from all parties, recommended the guest to the Chief Minister.”

Shetty further argued, “Those creating a Hindu-Muslim divide should face strict action. Dasara is a secular festival, but it is being portrayed as a religious event.”

When Simha’s counsel noted that Nisarga Ahmad had written poetry about Kannada and never made anti-Kannada remarks, the bench remarked, “Vijayadashami signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated across the country.”

When Simha’s counsel attempted to continue the argument, the bench warned, “We have passed our order. Should we impose a fine? Such arguments cannot be made in this court.”