The Karnataka High Court has allowed Hindu devotees to perform puja at the Shivalinga inside Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland during Mahashivaratri. This decision follows an earlier order from the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal, which set a schedule for religious activities at the site.
As per the tribunal’s directive, the Muslim community will conduct Urs-related rituals from 8 am to 12 pm. Hindu devotees will be offering prayers at the Raghava Chaitanya Shivalinga from 2 pm to 6 pm. The court has restricted the number of Hindu worshippers inside the dargah for puja to 15.
The shrine is significant to both religious communities. It is linked to a 14th-century Sufi saint and the 15th-century Hindu saint Raghava Chaitanya. For years, it has been a shared place of worship. However, tensions rose in 2022 due to disputes over religious rights, leading to communal unrest.
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To prevent conflicts, the district administration has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in Aland. This restricts public gatherings. Security has been tightened, with 12 police checkpoints set up. Drones will also monitor the area. Superintendent of Police Isha Pant confirmed that authorities have not ordered shop closures. However, several local businesses have shut voluntarily as a precaution.
The High Court has made it clear that both religious groups must follow the assigned prayer timings. The shrine’s structure must remain unchanged. Any unauthorised modifications during rituals have been strictly prohibited.
Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar and law enforcement agencies have been directed to ensure the court’s order is implemented. Their priority is to maintain peace in the area.
The ruling aims to balance religious rights while preventing tensions. Authorities remain on high alert to ensure the shrine continues to be a space for shared worship.
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