Former MP Pratap Simha moves HC against Banu Mushtaq inaugurating Mysuru Dasara
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Mysuru: The Karnataka High Court has been approached by former MP Pratap Simha, who has challenged the state government’s decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the world-famous Mysuru Dasara festival this year.
Simha has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the government to withdraw the invitation. The petition is yet to be listed for hearing.
In his plea, Simha argued that the Mysuru Dasara, celebrated as the “Nada Habba” (state festival), involves rituals considered sacred by lakhs of devotees. The inauguration is not merely a ceremonial event, but a religious function that begins with lighting the sacred lamp and offering prayers at the sanctum of Goddess Chamundeshwari. According to him, inviting Mushtaq, who belongs to a different faith and has previously made remarks critical of Hindu traditions and Kannada identity, has hurt religious sentiments.
He further claimed that the government’s decision violates Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, which safeguard religious freedom and the right to manage religious practices. The petition noted that the Dasara tradition has continued for centuries with the involvement of the royal family and other stakeholders, and accused the government of ignoring established customs while making the decision.
The former MP also warned that the move has already sparked protests and public unrest, with the potential to disturb communal harmony and law and order. He urged the court to impose an interim stay on the government’s decision.
While the state government has said that its intention was to recognise literary achievement and promote inclusivity through the invitation, Simha argued that the decision clashes with religious traditions and public sentiment. He has requested the court to restrain the government from going ahead with the plan.
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Four more arrested in brigadier assault case in Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): Four more accused have been arrested in connection with the alleged assault on an Army brigadier, his son and threatening his wife in southwest Delhi's Vasant Enclave area, police said on Friday.
The accused have been identified as Surjit Singh (36), Sunil Sharma (53) and Ashish (32), all from Mehram Nagar in Delhi, and Satender (35) of Bhiwani in Haryana, police said.
According to police, Surjit Singh was known to the main accused Satender, a director of an aviation company. All of them were sitting together in Mehram Nagar when Satender called them regarding a quarrel in Vasant Enclave.
"Following the call, all four left for the spot in Surjit's white Hyundai Aura. After reaching there, they got involved in the altercation and assault before returning to their respective homes," a senior police officer said.
After learning about the registration of the case, the accused fled and went into hiding, he said.
"Teams were constituted to trace them and all four absconding accused were arrested," he said.
The Hyundai Aura used in the incident has also been recovered, police said.
Further investigation into the case is underway. The role of each accused is being examined, they said.
According to the investigators, the incident took place on the night of April 11, when the brigadier and his son objected to the two men allegedly consuming alcohol inside a car parked outside their residence. Soon, others reached the spot and allegedly assaulted the officer and his son, besides abusing and threatening his wife.
