Welcome to F.I.E.L.D.- the First Ismaili Electronic Library and Database.

Are defendants insisting to meet the Imam?

Defendant Nagib Tajdin is often in close proximity but never addresses the Imam. The defendants are not insisting to meet the Imam, they are insisting on getting any authentic direct instruction from the Imam so that they know whether to continue or not.

[Note: Extracts of Federal Court Transcripts of Cross-Examinations held August 2010 for Summary Judgement Motions in the Aga Khan Copyright Lawsuit
Sections starting with N. Tajdin #... Means Nagib Tajdin is the one answering questions in the next section
Sections starting with Jiwa #... Means Alnaz Jiwa is the one answering questions in the next section
Sections starting with Sachedina #... Means Shafik Sachedina is the one answering questions in the next section
Sections starting with Bhaloo #... Means Aziz Bhaloo is the one answering questions in the next section
]


N. Tajdin #419 - #428:
Cross-Examination by Mr Gray.
Q. So, it is a privilege to have an audience with the Aga Khan, isn't it?
A. It is a privilege for anyone, but this is not the purpose. I am not looking for an audience for an audience. I have written, in the beginning of January, I need an audience to get instruction.
Q. Have you ever had an audience with the Aga Khan?
A. No. Yes. I have gone to Mehmani.
Q You went to Mehmani?
A. Yes, it was a long time ago.
Q. When was that?
A. 1978.
Q. And at that Mehmani in 1978, did you present the fruit and nuts to him?
A. I think there were more than fruit and nuts. There was a rosary, and there were a few other things.
Q. Right, right, okay. So, you had a Mehmani?
A. I had a Mehmani.
Q. How long did that Mehmani last in 1978?
A. A few seconds.
Q. A few seconds, okay. So, other than that, you haven't had any audience with His Highness?
A. I have never tried to...
Q. No.
A. ...up to January 4th.
Q. Yes, now you have been trying since January 4 to have an audience with him?
A. Yes.


N. Tajdin #516:
Cross-Examination by Mr Gray.
Q. Did you try to bring your books to show to the Aga Khan while he was in Toronto?
A. No. I went to the hotel, but not to try to give him the book.
Q. Did you go to the hotel, and the Royal York, where he was, to try and give him the books?
A. No.
Q. Did you try to meet him at the hotel?
A. I haven't tried to meet him. I was standing there with other Ismailis to see him.
Q. You were in the hotel?
A. And if he would have called me, I would have gone.
Q. But you were in the hotel lobby?
A. I was in the hotel lobby, and I was in the hotel lobby the previous time when he came, the previous of the previous time also.
Q. Did you follow him around the world, trying to see him?
A. I go around the world because I have a website. I take pictures. I take photos. Sometimes he is there for a day, two days. Sometimes we are very close. I could talk to him, but I don't do these things. We have a code of conduct that tells that we cannot approach the Imam unless he accepts.
Q. All right. You follow him around, but you don't speak to him in the...
A. Never. Never.


Sachedina #630-#631:
Cross-Examination by Mr Tajdin.
Q. On paragraph 20, you say: 'Mr. Tajdin responded that he would accept this to be His Highness's wish only if he received instructions directly from His Highness.' Is this correct?
A. That's what you told me.
Q. I agree I told you that. I just want to make sure that it's not changed?
A. Yes. Directly -- from my language, directly is the Imam. Imam of the Time, if he tells you, then you will take instructions from him.
Q. Okay, that's fine.
A. And that's the way you have described to me.


Back to top