The Supreme Court has directed Wesley Girls’ Senior High School to formally respond to allegations that it prevents Muslim students from practising their religion — the central issue in a suit filed by private legal practitioner, Shafic Osman.
The Court on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, gave the school 14 days to provide answers to the factual claims, which will pave the way for the determination of the case.
Mr. Osman alleges that Wesley Girls enforces policies that bar Muslim students from observing religious duties such as fasting and prayer and compels them to participate in Methodist religious activities, given the school’s foundation by the Methodist Church.
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He contends that this conduct amounts to systemic abuse of rights and discrimination on the basis of religion.
The panel emphasised that claims suggesting the school prevents Muslim students from practicing their faith are particularly serious.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai did not oppose the directive, noting that the amended Statement of Case primarily focused on the constitutional framework for assessing alleged restrictions on religious rights.
Wesley Girls’ Senior High School is required to file its statement within 14 days of being served, clarifying its religious policies and justifying any restrictions placed on Muslim students, if any.
While the Supreme Court, presided over by Justice Gabriel Scott Pawmang, allowed the replacement, the bench expressed concern that the amended statement did not address the core factual claims. The Court consequently ruled that the first defendant, the Board of Governors of Wesley Girls’ School, must respond directly to the allegations.
Source: CNR
