The case of Portland Cement Zambia is known to all. The case was launched by Dr. Rajan Mahtani, a noted industrialist and businessman after his factory was taken over. Since then, the case has seen numerous judges and numerous trials without any significant development.
The judge overseeing the case made a positive announcement a few months back when it was announced that the case hearing is closed and both sides were asked to submit their evidences in written and oral formats. The judge was supposed to verify all these evidences and based on this, final judgment was to be announced. It was a significantly positive announcement for Dr. Mahtani and his team as majority of the evidences were sufficiently proving Dr. Mahtani’s ownership over the factory. This was also cemented by the fact that expert opinion considered Dr. Mahtani as the real owner of the factory.
However, the final judgment given by the Justice Nkonde at the Lusaka High Court was nothing sort of disastrous. The final verdict was given against Dr. Mahtani’s claims, which was a shocking event. It was clear case of misdirected judgment as the judge conveniently ignored almost all relevant documents and evidences shared by Dr. Mahtani’s lawyers. At the same time, the other parties did not have any strong evidence or testimonial to win the case. Even experts and others involved in this case have termed this judgment as flawed.
Dr. Mahtani has taken immediate steps by appealing to the higher court of appeal against this flawed judgment at the Lusaka High Court. He has also shared all necessary documents and evidences to support his claims and is expected a reply now.
The judge overseeing the case made a positive announcement a few months back when it was announced that the case hearing is closed and both sides were asked to submit their evidences in written and oral formats. The judge was supposed to verify all these evidences and based on this, final judgment was to be announced. It was a significantly positive announcement for Dr. Mahtani and his team as majority of the evidences were sufficiently proving Dr. Mahtani’s ownership over the factory. This was also cemented by the fact that expert opinion considered Dr. Mahtani as the real owner of the factory.
However, the final judgment given by the Justice Nkonde at the Lusaka High Court was nothing sort of disastrous. The final verdict was given against Dr. Mahtani’s claims, which was a shocking event. It was clear case of misdirected judgment as the judge conveniently ignored almost all relevant documents and evidences shared by Dr. Mahtani’s lawyers. At the same time, the other parties did not have any strong evidence or testimonial to win the case. Even experts and others involved in this case have termed this judgment as flawed.
Dr. Mahtani has taken immediate steps by appealing to the higher court of appeal against this flawed judgment at the Lusaka High Court. He has also shared all necessary documents and evidences to support his claims and is expected a reply now.