The Bombay High Court on Wednesday cancelled the two dates April 22 and May 2, fixed for recording the deposition of Khuzaima Qutbuddin, challenger to the 53rd Syedna post after it was informed that he recently passed away in the United States of America.
Counsel Janak Dwarkadas, appearing for the incumbent Syedna Muffadal Saifuddin, argued before the court that because of the demise of Qutbuddin the suit filed by him stands abated. The court agreed with him and said that going by media reports plaintiff (Qutbuddin's) son is being appointed as a successor and if at all he files an application before the court we will consider it then as per law.
Following the hearing messages were spread among the community by supporters of the Saifuddin side to visit the Raudat Tahera to offer prayers, as the legal challenge to the Syedna's post stands abated.
However, the Qutbuddin side denied any such claims and issued a press statement saying that "Today the hon'ble high court cleared the planned dates of cross examination due to the sad passing of the his holiness Syedna Khuzaima Qutbuddin RA, on March 30, 2016. Syedna Taher Fakhruddin TUS will consult with his legal advisor's and then guide us on the path forward."
In June 2011, Saifuddin was nominated successor, according to a press statement from the community. Qutbuddin had publicly challenged the succession first time after the death of Syedna Mohammed Burhanuddin on January 17, 2014.
Qutbuddin claimed that he did not challenge the "false claims" made by Saifuddin until now because he (Qutbuddin) had been asked to maintain his appointment in confidence by Syedna Burhanuddin and was waiting for the late leader to get well to take up the issue with him.
