The preliminary hearing in the case filed by Sisilfaru Hajj and Umrah Group, against the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, has been scheduled for Sunday.

The hearing is set for 11am. The case was forwarded to trial after failing to reach a solution in the dispute resolution stage, earlier this week.

Sisilfaru Group claims that the ministry had acted unfairly in choosing companies to send pilgrims for this year’s Hajj pilgrimage. While 18 companies had expressed interest, it had selected six after an evaluation process.

The companies chosen are; Maldives Hajj Corporation, Acro Pvt Ltd, Mina Hajj Umrah Pvt Ltd, Al-Haramain Hajj and Umrah Company Pvt Ltd, ZAEE GROUP Pvt Ltd and Thazkiya Pvt Ltd. The ministry signed with the groups on Tuesday.

While Sisilfaru, who has 35 years of experience in carrying pilgrims, was not chosen, it filed a suit at the Civil Court on May 14.

The company claims that the companies were selected against the instructions given, as well as the Public Finance Act.

Further noting that past experience had taught them to make certain arrangements in advance, Sisilfaru Group said that it had done so this year as well and that not having the permission to carry pilgrims this year would cause an irrevocable loss.

Hence, it is seeking a temporary injunction in the case as well.

Deputy minister at the Islamic Ministry, Shafiu Ali said that the evaluation procedures have been publicized and that “details have been shared with the companies.”