Did K'taka HC Just Quash Petitions Against Banu Mushtaq's Dussehra Inauguration?

Bengaluru, Sep 15 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has, on Monday, dismissed all three petitions filed by former BJP MP Pratap Simha along with two other individuals who sought to halt the Congress-led administration's decision to have Booker Prize laureate Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the historic festival.

The case was deliberated by a Division Bench chaired by Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice C.M. Joshi. The court ruled against the petitions, stating that no rights had been infringed upon.

The government's representative, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, proposed that the petitioners face a penalty, which the court declined. The Chief Justice pointed out that the Vijaya Dashami festival is celebrated nationwide and symbolizes the triumph of good over malevolence.

Previously, senior counsel Sudarshan argued on behalf of Pratap Simha, stating that there exists a tradition of offering floral tributes to Goddess Chamundeshwari during Dussehra inaugurations and voiced opposition to Banu Mushtaq being the inaugural figure.

Sudarshan claimed the government's choice was misguided, citing Banu Mushtaq's alleged anti-Hindu sentiments and derogatory remarks regarding the Kannada language. He referred to her controversial comments about Goddess Bhuvaneshwari and the Kannada flag.

Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru emphasized that expressing opinions is not an offense in this country, urging petitioners to articulate which fundamental rights had been breached. He remarked, 'You may voice your opinion at the right forum, but specify which constitutional rights have been violated.'

The court's ruling has garnered attention as the Congress-led state government's decision to have Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the time-honored Dussehra festival had faced opposition from the BJP and various Hindu groups. Nonetheless, the state government reiterated its choice to have Banu Mushtaq inaugurate the festival, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserting that Chamundi Hills does not belong exclusively to Hindus.

Pratap Simha’s petition followed the state government's invitation to Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dussehra, amidst dissent. He argued that the ceremony involves offering floral tributes to the Goddess and performing religious rituals, asserting that Banu Mushtaq holds anti-Hindu views.

“The government has arbitrarily selected Banu Mushtaq for the inauguration without prior consultations. She has also expressed views against the Kannada language,” Simha claimed in his petition. He noted that even the Mysuru royal family opposed the government’s decision.

After the government confirmed Banu Mushtaq's role in inaugurating Dussehra, three public interest litigations (PILs) were filed against her participation in the festivities in Mysuru.

H.S. Gourav, a Bengaluru resident, requested the court to instruct the state government to revoke its decision, arguing that the inauguration is a fundamental aspect of Hindu tradition and should be conducted by Hindu dignitaries.

He insisted the inauguration comply with 'Hindu Agamic' practices, ensuring Hindu sentiments are respected. Other PILs were filed by Bengaluru-based entrepreneur T. Girish Kumar and R. Sowmya, the National Vice President of the Abhinava Bharat Party.

Previously, members of Hindu organizations met with Banu Mushtaq at her home, delivering a memorandum asking her to turn down the government’s invitation to inaugurate the Dussehra festival, citing concerns over Hindu sentiments.

On August 22, the Karnataka government announced that Banu Mushtaq, a Booker Prize-winning author and activist, would inaugurate the globally renowned Dussehra festivities in Mysuru this year.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated, “Banu Mushtaq, a writer hailing from Hassan in Karnataka, will inaugurate the world-famous Dussehra Mahotsav this year. The celebrations commence on September 22, with Vijaya Dashami scheduled for the 11th day, October 2. This is a significant occasion, and she is a Booker laureate.”

He added, “Banu Mushtaq’s literary work Hrudaya Deepa earned her the Booker Prize, which is a source of pride for us. She has overcome struggles and has been part of farmers’ organizations, Kannada movements, and progressive initiatives. It is significant that a woman has been invited to inaugurate Dussehra.”

However, the BJP shared a video showing Banu Mushtaq making a speech that challenged the connection between the Kannada language and Goddess Bhuvaneshwari, along with the yellow and red colors of the Kannada flag. They contended that she lacks respect for Hindu sentiments and should not inaugurate the Dussehra festivities. In contrast, the government maintained that Dussehra is a 'Nada Habba' (a celebration of the land) and not strictly a religious event.