The Karnataka High Court has granted permission for Hindu devotees to perform puja at the Raghava Chaitanya Shivalinga inside the Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland during Mahashivaratri. The ruling upholds a prior directive from the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal, which established a structured schedule for religious activities at the site to balance the interests of both Hindu and Muslim communities.

Scheduled Rituals and Restrictions

According to the tribunal’s order, members of the Muslim community will observe Urs-related rituals from 8 AM to 12 PM. Hindu worshippers will be allowed to perform puja at the Shivalinga between 2 PM and 6 PM. The court has restricted the number of Hindu devotees permitted inside the dargah premises at a time to 15 individuals.

The Ladle Mashak Dargah, which dates back to the 14th century, is associated with a revered Sufi saint, while the 15th-century Hindu saint Raghava Chaitanya is also believed to have worshipped at the site. For centuries, it has been regarded as a shared place of faith. However, tensions over religious rights at the shrine intensified in 2022, leading to communal unrest.

Security Measures and Law Enforcement Actions

To prevent any disruptions, the district administration has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in Aland, restricting public gatherings. Authorities have reinforced security by deploying additional personnel, establishing 12 police checkpoints, and implementing drone surveillance for aerial monitoring.

Superintendent of Police Isha Pant confirmed that while the administration did not mandate shop closures, many local businesses voluntarily shut down as a precautionary measure.

Court Directives on Religious Harmony

The High Court has made it clear that both communities must strictly adhere to their allotted prayer slots. It also emphasised that no structural alterations to the shrine would be permitted during the rituals. Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar, along with law enforcement officials, has been tasked with ensuring the smooth implementation of the court’s order and maintaining law and order in the region.

The ruling seeks to balance religious rights while ensuring peace and security at the historically significant shrine.