High Court Allows Mahashivratri Puja Within Dargah Premises In Karnataka

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 12:59 IST

The High Court has allowed only 15 individuals to enter the shrine complex for the purpose of conducting the puja. The ritual is restricted to a specific time window.

In Alanda town of Kalaburagi district, Karnataka preparations for Maha Shivaratri have long required careful administrative planning. The Ladle Mashaikh Dargah, a prominent Islamic shrine in the region, also houses a Shivalinga within its premises — a factor that has led to periodic tension, particularly when religious observances of two communities coincide.

This year, the matter reached the Kalaburagi bench of the Karnataka High Court.

The court has permitted a limited group of Hindu devotees to perform puja to the Shivalinga inside the dargah premises, subject to strict conditions and security measures.

Court-Imposed Restrictions

The High Court has allowed only 15 individuals to enter the shrine complex for the purpose of conducting the puja. The ritual is restricted to a specific time window between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri this Sunday, 15^th Feb 2026.

The bench directed the district administration and police authorities to ensure tight security arrangements. Officials have been instructed to regulate entry and prevent any unauthorised gathering in and around the shrine.

Background of the Dispute

The presence of the Shivalinga within the Ladle Mashaikh Dargah complex has been a recurring point of contention in Alanda. In previous years, the district administration imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 to prevent possible clashes during Maha Shivaratri and the dargah’s annual Urus festival, which often fall around the same period.

The Shivalinga Puja Samiti approached the High Court seeking permission to conduct annual rituals, stating that it is a long-standing tradition. The dargah committee opposed unrestricted entry, citing concerns over the sanctity of the Islamic shrine.

Administrative Oversight

After hearing submissions from both sides, the High Court allowed the puja under controlled conditions, emphasising the need to maintain communal harmony. The Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police have been tasked with overseeing the entry of the permitted 15 individuals and ensuring that no additional persons enter the premises.

The order seeks to balance religious rights with the responsibility of maintaining public peace in a location that has remained sensitive over the years.

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