Karnataka High Court has given an important decision on Wednesday (February 11, 2026). The court has given permission to worship the Shivalinga present in a dargah located in Aland Town in Kalaburagi district on Mahashivratri. Hearing the petition of Siddha Ramaiah Hiremath, the court, on the lines of last year, has allowed limited number of devotees to perform puja on Sunday (February 15) this year too.

The Dargah Committee had approached the Supreme Court demanding that Hindu organizations not be allowed to perform the puja. However, the bench led by the Chief Justice refused to hear it saying that if every such case starts going directly to the Supreme Court for hearing, then the message will be sent that the High Courts of the country have become irrelevant.

Dargah Committee made allegations in the petition

The Dargah Committee had alleged in its petition that a planned attempt is being made to change the nature of religious places through interim orders. Actually, the center of controversy is the site associated with 14th century Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Alauddin Ansari (Laadle Mashaiq) and 15th century Hindu saint Raghav Chaitanya. The remains of both the saints are said to be in this complex. A structure called Raghav Chaitanya Shivalinga is also present here.

Controversy had increased regarding worship in 2022

It is said that earlier people from both Hindu and Muslim communities used to worship at this place. However, tension regarding worship rights increased in 2022, when an incident of alleged desecration of Shivalinga by some anti-social elements came to light.

Even in February 2025, the High Court had given permission to 15 Hindu devotees to worship on Shivratri amid heavy security arrangements. During this time the rituals were conducted peacefully. This year also, on the lines of earlier order, the court has given permission for worship to a limited number of devotees.

Controversy has arisen over a viral video in Kalaburagi, Karnataka. In this video, Matin Patel, close to Congress MLA, is seen making a reel on the song “Phala” from the film Dhurandhar. In the reel he is seen waving a pistol and gun. As soon as the video surfaced, it quickly went viral and people started giving different types of reactions to it.

In the video, Matin Patel is showing weapons in a filmy style. After this, questions started being raised whether it is against the law to openly display weapons like this. Many people called it an irresponsible act. Some people said that such videos send a wrong message to the society.

Statement of Kalaburagi Police Commissioner

Legal experts say that public display of weapons without proper permission can come under the ambit of investigation under the Indian Arms Act. However, it depends on whether the weapons are licensed or not and at what place and under what circumstances the video was made. Kalaburagi Police Commissioner Sharanappa SD said that he is aware of the viral video. Police have started investigation. Officials have been instructed to find out where the video was made and under which police station’s jurisdiction the case falls. After this, further action will be decided.

close to Congress MLA

Since Matin Patel is considered close to the Congress MLA, the matter is now taking a political form. No official statement has come from Congress yet. At present the police is investigating. Only after investigation will it be clear whether legal action will be taken in this matter or not.

serious crimes in india

Displaying weapons in a public place without proper legal permission is considered a serious crime in India. Doing so is illegal under the Arms Act, 1959 and relevant state laws. The purpose of this law is to maintain public safety and prevent misuse of weapons.

Which law applies?

Mainly Arms Act, 1959 and Arms Rules, 2016 are applicable. Further, State Governments may, from time to time, issue Section 144 or other orders under which carrying or displaying of arms in public places may be completely prohibited.