Haji Ali to discuss ‘progressive steps’ in SC

MUMBAI: The Haji Ali Dargah Trust has said that it has proposed ‘progressive steps’ that will be discussed when the Supreme Court hears the petition on the entry

MUMBAI: The Haji Ali Dargah Trust has said that it has proposed ‘progressive steps’ that will be discussed when the Supreme Court hears the petition on the entry of women into the sanctum of the shrine.

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Suhail Khandwani, trustee of the trust, said, “These are the trust’s views on what progressive steps can be taken,” said Khandwani, adding that the details cannot be revealed before the next hearing of the case as the case is sub-judice.

Khandwani added that they wanted to submit their points on Monday. “But the court had other important matters to hear and listed it for October 24,” said Khandwani.

“We have definitely thought about the matter but the modalities will be discussed in the court.”

The Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan (BMMA) had filed a petition in the Bombay high court in August 2014 when women were stopped from entering the inner sanctum — which houses the tomb. They said that there was no such restriction till 2011. In August, the high court asked the shrine to allow unrestricted entry to women, following which the dargah’s trust filed an appeal in the Supreme Court against the HC order.