Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 29: A few people from the city have approached the High Court through a public interest petition, requesting to declare that the present president of Panambur Muslim Jamayyit Masjid Mohammed Salim Rafi is occupying the position illegally.

P E Mohiuddin and others have alleged that Rafi has been continuing in the seat illegally. A division bench of the High Court comprising of Chief Justice P D Dinakaran and Justice V G Sabhahit on Wednesday January 28, ordered issuance of notices to the mosque, Rafi and other defendants relating to the case.

A person elected as president of the mosque in the election held on March 11, 2005, had died within a few months thereafter. Rafi, who was functioning as its vice president, took over as the president and continues to illegally exercise the powers of the president even now, the petitioners have alleged.  They have also charged current incumbent with misusing funds to the tune of over Rs 75 lac so far and have expressed apprehension, that allowing him to continue in the post will create a lot of problems.

The divisional bench adjourned the hearing after ordering for issuance of notices.