On Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court granted Hindus permission to perform puja to the Shivalinga located within the Ladle Mashak Dargah premises in Aland during Mahashivaratri.

The ruling upholds an earlier directive by the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal, which established a structured schedule for religious observances at the site. As per the tribunal's order, the Muslim community can conduct Urs-related rituals from 8 am to 12 pm, while Hindu devotees are allowed to offer prayers to the Raghava Chaitanya Shivalinga from 2 pm to 6 pm.

The High Court has permitted 15 individuals to enter the dargah to perform the puja.

The shrine, linked to both a 14th-century Sufi saint and the 15th-century Hindu saint Raghava Chaitanya, has historically been a shared place of worship. However, disputes over religious rights at the dargah in 2022 led to communal unrest. To ensure peace this year, the district administration has enforced Section 144 of the CrPC across Aland, restricting public gatherings.

Security measures have been intensified, with police setting up 12 checkpoints and deploying drones for surveillance.

Superintendent of Police Isha Pant stated that while authorities did not mandate business closures, many local shopkeepers voluntarily shut their establishments as a precautionary step.

The High Court has directed that both communities strictly adhere to the designated time slots and maintain the site's status quo. Authorities have been instructed to prevent any unauthorized modifications during the rituals.

Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar and law enforcement officials have been entrusted with ensuring the smooth implementation of the court’s order while maintaining law and order in the town.