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Advocate Suresh, appearing for the petitioner, alleged that Banu Mushtaq had earlier made some objectionable remarks, hurting the religious sentiments of people.
Supreme Court of India (File)
The Supreme Court on Friday rejected a plea challenging the Karnataka High Court order regarding extending an invitation to Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq as the chief guest for the Dasara (or Dussehra) festival celebration inauguration at Chamundi temple, Mysuru.
Senior Advocate PB Suresh, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that a non-Hindu cannot be allowed to perform puja.
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A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta dismissed the matter.
“It’s purely political… reason why they should be brought inside the temple for religious activity…,” Justice Nath said.
Advocate Suresh then alleged that Banu Mushtaq had earlier made some objectionable remarks, hurting the religious sentiments of people.
Justice Nath again retaliated that the matter had been dismissed.
“We have said ‘dismissed’ 3 times. How many dismissals are required?” Justice Nath said.
The appeal against the high court order was filed in the top court by HS Gaurav after the Karnataka High Court rejected the plea on September 15, observing, “Participation of a person practising a particular faith or religion in celebrations of festivals of other religions does not offend the rights available under the Constitution of India.”
Durga Puja begins on September 22, and the inauguration involves lighting of the ceremonial lamp, offering of kumkum, turmeric, fruits and flowers before the sanctum sanctorum of Goddess Chamundeshwari.
The plea assailed the high court’s reasoning, saying the inaugural rituals of Dasara, which take place at the Chamundeshwari Temple, are not merely symbolic but constitute an essential religious practice protected under Article 25 of the Constitution.
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The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 19, 2025, 14:32 IST
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