Federal Court defers verdict in out-of-wedlock case

The Federal Court today deferred delivering its judgment in the “bin Abdullah” case although it is ready with the written grounds.

The court was supposed to deliver its verdict today on an appeal by the National Registration Department (NRD) and two others, on whether a Muslim child conceived out of wedlock could bear his or her father's surname instead of "bin Abdullah".

Senior federal counsel Amarjeet Singh informed the court that the executive branch wants to address the matter carefully and consult a wide range of stakeholders.

"The government views that the delicate nature of the subject matter has far-reaching implications that require solutions by other means," Amarjeet said.

His application to adjourn the delivery of the decision was not objected by the plaintiffs. However, the Johor Islamic Council, led by lawyer Sulaiman Abdullah, objected to the application. 

The council wanted the decision to be delivered since it was ready, especially since one of the judges on the bench will retire soon.

After a short break, Court of Appeal President Ahmad Maarop allowed the adjournment to a date to be fixed.

"In fact, the written judgment is ready but having considered Amarjeet’s application, we allow the application (to be adjourned) to a date to be fixed," Justice Ahmad said.

The other two judges sitting with him were Federal Court judges Justice Balia Yusof Wahi and Justice Aziah Ali, who are the remaining judges from the earlier five-member bench that heard the appeal from the National Registration Department.

[More to follow] - Mkini