Bangalore, Sept. 15 -- The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed petitions challenging the state government's decision to invite Booker Prize-winning author Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara.

"We are not persuaded to accept the contention that inviting a person of a different faith to inaugurate the event violates the legal or constitutional rights of the petitioners," the court observed.

Earlier, the Karnataka state government invited Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate the 2025 edition of the 'Mysore Dasara' festival. The decision to invite Mushtaq had drawn criticism from certain groups, prompting the petitions.

Earlier, on August 31, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the state government's deci...