Tue Feb 25 17:56:15 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka High Court Allows Hindu Puja at Shared Shrine During Mahashivaratri
**Aland, Karnataka –** The Karnataka High Court has ruled in favor of allowing Hindus to perform puja at the Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland during Mahashivaratri. The decision upholds a previous order by the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal which established a time-sharing arrangement for religious practices at the site, a shrine historically shared by both Hindu and Muslim communities.
Under the court’s order, Muslims will conduct Urs-related rituals from 8 am to 12 pm, while Hindus will be permitted to offer prayers to the Raghava Chaitanya Shivalinga from 2 pm to 6 pm. A maximum of 15 Hindus will be allowed entry to the dargah for the puja.
The ruling comes amidst heightened security measures in Aland following communal tensions in 2022 stemming from disputes over religious rights at the dargah. Section 144 of the CrPC, restricting public gatherings, is in effect, and police have deployed 12 checkpoints and drones for surveillance. While businesses are not officially closed, many shopkeepers voluntarily shut down as a precaution.
Superintendent of Police Isha Pant and Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar have been entrusted with ensuring the court’s order is followed and maintaining law and order. The High Court has stressed strict adherence to the designated time slots and the preservation of the site’s status quo, prohibiting any unauthorized alterations.
First Piper 