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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Tarique Rahman sworn in as new Prime Minister of Bangladesh
Dhaka (PTI): Tarique Rahman was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Bangladesh on Tuesday, days after leading his party to a forceful victory in the crucial general elections.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin administered the oath of office to 60-year-old Rahman at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad instead of Bangabhaban, in a departure from a long-standing tradition.
Earlier in the day, Rahman was elected as leader of the parliamentary party by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party lawmakers.
Rahman's BNP has bagged 209 out of 297 seats, while right-wing Jamaat-e-Islami secured 68 seats in the 13th Parliamentary elections. Deposed premier Sheikh Hasina's Awami League was barred from contesting polls.
