The Supreme Court has instructed Wesley Girls’ Senior High School to officially address allegations that it hinders Muslim students from practicing their faith — the primary concern in a lawsuit initiated by private legal practitioner, Shafic Osman.
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Court granted the school a period of 14 days to respond to the factual assertions, which will facilitate the resolution of the case.
Mr. Osman claims that Wesley Girls implements policies that prevent Muslim students from fulfilling religious obligations such as fasting and prayer, and forces them to engage in Methodist religious activities, due to the school’s establishment by the Methodist Church.
He argues that this behavior constitutes a systemic violation of rights and discrimination based on religion.
During the session on Tuesday, the Attorney-General sought to withdraw and substitute a previous Statement of Case.
While the Supreme Court, led by Justice Gabriel Scott Pawmang, permitted the substitution, the bench expressed concern that the revised statement did not adequately address the fundamental factual allegations. Consequently, the Court ruled that the first defendant, the Board of Governors of Wesley Girls’ School, must directly respond to the claims.
The panel underscored that allegations indicating the school obstructs Muslim students from practicing their religion are particularly grave.
Deputy Attorney-General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai did not contest the directive, observing that the revised Statement of Case mainly concentrated on the constitutional framework for evaluating alleged limitations on religious rights.
Wesley Girls’ Senior High School is obligated to submit its statement within 14 days of being served, elucidating its religious policies and justifying any restrictions imposed on Muslim students, if applicable.
