Judge rules opposing factions to go to full trial

TWO factions trying to lay claim as administrators of a religious educational institution were told by the High Court that serving the community and the religion they belong to was to earn the pleasure of the Creator.

The two factions who claim to be trustees of the Madrissa Arabia Islamia will now have to go to a full trial to settle their claim.

“Obviously, the parties hereof are engaged in this legal brawl, not to achieve any personal gain or benefits in terms of money or materials,” said Justice Mohamed Mackie.

“As true believers of their religion, the ultimate goal of their exercise cannot be anything, but serving the community they live in, fulfilling the objectives of the founders and finally to earn the pleasure of the Creator Almighty God.

“Whether it is the plaintiffs or the defendants in power, the truth is that they are the temporary custodians of the institution founded by its pioneers and that of the finance and other resources the institution receives by way of donations, charity and in various other permitted forms for the materialization of the objectives of the institution.

“The plaintiffs, being removed, rightly or wrongly from the position of trustees they held, need not necessarily suffer any harm or damages.

“The people who suffer or lose on account of the conflict between the parties hereof are none other than the students, orphans, the teachers and the society at large.”

Justice Mackie ruled the matter be mentioned before the Master of the Court on April 24, 2024.