India, Sept. 15 -- The Karnataka High Court on Monday dismissed multiple petitions opposing the state government's decision to invite International Booker Prize winner Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate this year's Mysuru Dasara festivities.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bhakru and Justice C M Joshi refused to entertain four petitions, including one filed by former Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha, who had challenged the government's move.

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The Mysuru district administration had formally invited Mushtaq on September 3, despite objections from sections of the opposition, particularly the BJP. The controversy centres on allegations...