The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday (February 25) granted permission for Hindu devotees to perform puja at the Shivalinga inside the Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland during Mahashivaratri, upholding an earlier order by the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal.

As per the tribunal’s directive, religious observances at the site will follow a structured schedule. The Muslim community will conduct 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, news agency PTI reported.

The court has permitted 15 individuals to enter the dargah for the puja.

The shrine, associated with both a 14th-century Sufi saint and the 15th-century Hindu saint Raghava Chaitanya, has historically been a shared place of worship.

However, religious disputes in 2022 led to communal tensions, prompting authorities to impose strict security measures this year.

To maintain law and order, Section 144 of the CrPC has been enforced across Aland, restricting public gatherings. Security has been heightened with 12 police checkpoints and drone surveillance.

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

The High Court has stressed that both communities must adhere strictly to their designated time slots while ensuring that the status quo of the property remains unchanged. Any unauthorized alterations at the site have been prohibited.

Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar and law enforcement officials have been tasked with overseeing the implementation of the court’s order and maintaining peace in the area.