The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed an appeal challenging the Karnataka High Court’s order that upheld the state government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the state-sponsored Dasara Mahotsav at the Chamundeshwari temple in Mysuru.
SC affirms secular spirit
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta rejected the petition, observing that the Constitution’s preamble declares India to be a secular state, and therefore, the government cannot make distinctions based on religion in such state-organised programmes.
“This is a state programme, and the state cannot distinguish,” the bench said, refusing to interfere in the Karnataka government’s choice of chief guest.
Petitioner’s arguments
The petitioner argued that allowing a non-Hindu to perform the traditional ‘Agra Puja’ as part of the Dasara inauguration would hurt the sentiments of the Hindu community. Counsel for the petitioner maintained that puja inside the temple is not a secular act but a core religious ritual, and therefore, the government’s decision was in violation of Hindu practices.
The appeal stressed that since the Wodeyar dynasty, the inauguration of the ten-day Dasara festival has been performed by Hindu dignitaries, involving puja, sacred mantras, and rituals prescribed by the Agama Shastra. Allowing a non-Hindu chief guest to perform these rites, the petition claimed, would disturb the purity of the ceremony and offend religious beliefs.
Karnataka High Court’s stand
On September 15, the Karnataka High Court dismissed similar petitions against the government’s decision. The High Court ruled that participation of individuals from any faith in festivals of other religions does not violate constitutional rights.
It noted that the Dasara Mahotsav is a state-sponsored event organised annually and has often featured eminent personalities, including scientists, educationists, authors, and freedom fighters, as inaugurators, irrespective of their religion.
The High Court also highlighted that the festival is not solely a religious ceremony but a cultural and historical celebration backed by the state, thereby making it inclusive.
Broader implications
The appeal filed in the Supreme Court reiterated that the High Court erred in overlooking the sanctity of Agama rules and Hindu traditions. However, the apex court’s dismissal of the appeal reaffirmed the secular principle enshrined in the Indian Constitution, reinforcing that state-sponsored events must not be bound by religious exclusivity.
By upholding the High Court’s order, the Supreme Court has effectively closed the legal challenge to Banu Mushtaq’s participation, clearing the path for her to inaugurate the iconic Mysuru Dasara festivities on September 22.
Conclusion
The judgment underscores the constitutional balance between religious practices and secular governance in India. While concerns about tradition and faith were raised, the court’s decision reiterates that state events must remain inclusive, secular, and representative of India’s diverse ethos.