Qutbuddin is being cross examined in the HC over his claim. Counsel Iqbal Chagla, who is appearing for Saifuddin, questioned Qutbuddin on the highest degree being conferred by the Aljamea tus Saifiyah.
"I have 12 brothers and eight sisters. While none of them openly backs my claim of being the 53rd Syedna, I have received indications that they do support... however, they haven't filed oath of allegiance in my favour," said Khuzaima Qutbuddin, the uncle of the incumbent 53rd Syedna Muffadal Saifuddin, told the Bombay high court on Monday. Qutbuddin challenged Saifuddin's succession soon after the death of the 52nd dai Mohammed Burhanuddin.
Qutbuddin is being cross examined in the HC over his claim. Counsel Iqbal Chagla, who is appearing for Saifuddin, questioned Qutbuddin on the highest degree being conferred by the Aljamea tus Saifiyah.
This was to bring forth his knowledge of Islamic studies and degrees being conferred by the principal of the Dawoodi Bohra community's educational institute.
He was also asked about the degree conferred upon him by the 51st dai, to which he replied that he was conferred with the degree of Al-Aleem al Bare (the outstanding scholar). He added that the 52nd dai Burhanuddin had not conferred any degree or title on him.
Qutbuddin also told the court that the highest title is the Ulemaat al Ulama al muwahhadeen (support of unparalleled scholar), which was given to Burhanuddin by the 51st dai. The cross-examination will continue on Tuesday.
In June 2011, Saifuddin was nominated successor, according to a press statement from the community. Qutbuddin publicly challenged the succession for the first time after Burhanuddin's death on January 17 last year.
Qutbuddin claimed that he did not challenge Saifuddin's false claims until now because he (Qutbuddin) had been asked to maintain his appointment in confidence by Burhanuddin. He prayed and hoped that "Syedna Burhanuddin Saheb would recover and set the position right in the manner he deemed appropriate".
Meanwhile, justice Gautam Patel also received a letter from a follower of Saifuddin asking for facilities — prayer room and separate toilets — as the hearing would be on a daily basis. The court refused to entertain the application and directed the registry not to accept any applications in the case, unless made by advocates of either parties.
In another development, the court also seized a voice recording brought by one of the followers to tape the court proceedings. Justice Patel directed both sides to inform their supporters to avoid doing such things.
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