Karnataka HC Permits Hindu Puja at Ladle Mashak Dargah During Mahashivaratri

Bengaluru- The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday granted permission for Hindus to perform puja to the Shivalinga situated within the premises of Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland during Mahashivaratri.

The ruling upholds an earlier order by the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal, which outlined a structured schedule for religious observances at the site. As per the directive, members of the Muslim community can perform Urs-related rituals from 8 am to 12 pm, while Hindu devotees will be allowed to offer prayers to the Raghava Chaitanya Shivalinga between 2 pm and 6 pm. The court has permitted 15 individuals to enter the dargah for the puja.

The shrine, associated with a 14th-century Sufi saint and the 15th-century Hindu saint Raghava Chaitanya, has historically been a shared place of worship. However, tensions escalated in 2022 over religious rights at the site, leading to communal unrest. In response, the district administration has imposed Section 144 of the CrPC across Aland to restrict public gatherings and prevent disturbances.

Security measures have been intensified, with authorities setting up 12 checkpoints and deploying drones for surveillance. Superintendent of Police Isha Pant stated that while no official order for business closures was issued, many local shopkeepers voluntarily shut down their establishments as a precaution.

The High Court has emphasized strict adherence to the designated time slots and maintenance of the site’s status quo. Officials, including Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar, have been directed to ensure the smooth execution of the court’s order while maintaining law and order in the town.