The Karnataka High Court has upheld a previous ruling allowing Hindu devotees to perform Shivlinga puja inside Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland during Mahashivratri. The decision maintains an earlier order by the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal, which established a structured schedule for religious observances at the shrine.
As per the tribunal’s directive:
🔹 8 AM – 12 PM: Muslim community to conduct Urs-related rituals.
🔹 2 PM – 6 PM: Hindu devotees allowed to offer prayers to the Raghava Chaitanya Shivalinga inside the dargah.
The court has permitted a maximum of 15 people to enter the dargah for puja. The shrine, historically shared by both Hindus and Muslims, became a point of contention in 2022, leading to communal tensions.
To maintain peace, the district administration has enforced Section 144 CrPC in Aland, restricting public gatherings. Authorities have deployed 12 police checkpoints and drones for surveillance.
Superintendent of Police Isha Pant assured that business closures were voluntary and not enforced. Meanwhile, the High Court has ordered that the status quo of the property must be maintained, with no unauthorized alterations permitted.
Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar and law enforcement have been tasked with ensuring peaceful implementation of the ruling.
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