In a landmark decision, the Karnataka High Court has authorized Hindu devotees to perform puja at the Shivalinga situated within Ladle Mashak Dargah in Aland during the upcoming Mahashivaratri festival. This ruling is in accordance with a prior directive from the Karnataka Waqf Tribunal, which had outlined a structured schedule permitting religious activities for both Hindu and Muslim communities at the disputed site.
To ensure peace and order during the festivities, extensive security arrangements have been put in place. Superintendent of Police Isha Pant noted that while the local administration has not mandated the closure of shops, many local businesses have chosen to shut down voluntarily as a precaution. The security measures include the establishment of 12 police checkpoints around the area and the deployment of drones for continuous aerial surveillance.
The court has issued strict guidelines that must be followed during the puja. It has emphasized that both Hindu and Muslim groups are to strictly adhere to their designated prayer times and are prohibited from making any structural changes to the shrine. “Both communities are expected to respect the sanctity of the site and maintain decorum,” the ruling specified.
Deputy Commissioner Yeshwanth Gurukar, along with local law enforcement, has been tasked with overseeing the implementation of these guidelines and ensuring that the court’s orders are followed meticulously. The High Court’s decision aims to balance the religious rights of the Hindu community with the need to preserve communal harmony at the historically shared site.
