Supreme Court Upholds Karnataka's Secular Approach to Dasara Inauguration

The Supreme Court has upheld Karnataka's decision to appoint Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq, a non-Hindu, to inaugurate the state's Dasara festival, dismissing a petition opposing the move. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hailed the verdict as a validation of the government's commitment to secular celebrations.

In his statement, Siddaramaiah emphasized that Mysuru Dasara is a festival for all, transcending religious boundaries, and condemned efforts to propagate misinformation and societal division. The Supreme Court's ruling underscores the constitutional principle of secularism in state events.

The bench, led by Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, highlighted that the state cannot differentiate based on religion. Criticism had arisen over Mushtaq's participation in traditional Hindu rituals, but the High Court had previously ruled such participation did not violate constitutional rights. The Supreme Court's decision affirms this stance.