On August 28, 2024, the Colombo District Court granted an injunction against Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC) leader Rauf Hakeem and General Secretary Nizam Kariyappar, barring them from expelling party member Ali Zahir Maulana. The court order, issued by Colombo District Judge Sandun Withana, will remain in effect until September 11, 2024.
The legal action stems from Maulana’s complaint that he is being unfairly targeted for expulsion from the SLMC. Maulana alleges that the party is attempting to remove him without following proper disciplinary procedures, in retaliation for his political stance. Specifically, he claims that the SLMC is seeking to expel him because of his support for President Ranil Wickramasinghe, contrary to the party’s recent decision to back Sajith Premadasa in the upcoming presidential election.
Maulana contends that he was not informed about a crucial Supreme Council meeting held on August 4, where the decision to support Premadasa was made. He argues that his exclusion from the meeting and subsequent expulsion are unjustified, as he had not been given a chance to address any alleged issues or participate in the party’s decision-making process.
The court’s injunction aims to prevent any action against Maulana until the legal dispute is resolved, highlighting ongoing internal conflicts within the SLMC. The party’s endorsement of Premadasa versus Maulana’s support for Wickramasinghe underscores the broader political tensions as the presidential election approaches.
