FREETOWN — The Supreme Court of Sierra Leone has refused an application for an interim injunction filed by a group of former pupils of St Joseph’s Convent Secondary School, intensifying a growing legal dispute over dress code rules tied to the school’s 160th anniversary celebrations.
The case was heard on Thursday by a panel of three justices led by Justice Komba Kamanda, alongside Justice Alusine Sesay and Justice Tonia Barnett.
Representing the plaintiffs was lawyer Osman Jalloh, while M.C.L. Stronge appeared for the second to sixth defendants.
The plaintiffs had sought an urgent court order to prevent organisers from excluding them from participating in the school’s 160th anniversary thanksgiving service and march-past. Their concern centred on a proposed dress style, described in court as a long dress with minimal head covering—which they argue should be permitted as modest attire.
After listening to submissions from both sides, the court adjourned briefly before delivering its decision later in the day. In a short ruling, the panel stated that, given the urgency of the matter, the request for an interim injunction was refused. The judges indicated that a full written ruling would be issued at a later date.
The case, filed by five plaintiffs including Isatta Wurie, challenges the enforcement of the anniversary dress code on constitutional grounds. The plaintiffs argue that the restrictions are discriminatory and infringe on rights to freedom of conscience and equal treatment. They insist their legal action is not intended to halt the anniversary celebrations, but to ensure their inclusion under what they consider acceptable modest dress.
The dispute has drawn widespread public attention, with debate focusing on whether regulations set by the school’s ex-pupils’ association can lawfully bar individuals from taking part in a major commemorative event.
Although the interim relief has been denied, the core constitutional questions raised in the case remain pending before the court, with a new hearing date to be announced.
