Secularism and State Functions: The Supreme Court on the Mysuru Dasara Inauguration
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Preamble, Fundamental Rights - Article 25, Secularism, Judiciary).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Society): Salient features of Indian Society, Diversity of India; Communalism, Regionalism & Secularism.
General Studies Paper 2 (Polity & Governance): Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, significant provisions and basic structure.
General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics): Human Values; Foundational values for Civil Service (tolerance, compassion).
Key Highlights from the News
The Supreme Court rejected a petition challenging the inauguration of the historic Mysuru Dasara by acclaimed writer and Booker Prize winner, Banu Mushtaq.
The court reminded the petitioner of the fundamental principles of secularism, fraternity, and equality enshrined in the Preamble of the Constitution.
The court clarified that Dasara is not a private ceremony but a State event. A secular nation cannot discriminate against citizens on the basis of religion.
The court did not accept the petitioner's argument that a non-Hindu performing puja violates Article 25, which protects essential religious practice.
The court pointed out that the Supreme Court's ruling in the 1994 M. Ismail Faruqui case, stating that the Indian state officially has no religion, is relevant in this case as well.
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