Dr. Mahtani Challenges The Lusaka High Court’s Decision On Portland Cement

Just a few months back, the judge overseeing the Portland Cement Zambia case announced that the case hearing is closed and the final verdict will be given based on the written and oral evidences submitted by both parties. This was extremely positive news for Dr. Mahtani and his lawyers as over the long trial of 10 years of the case, Dr. Mahtani has submitted numerous documents and evidences which are sufficient to prove his rightful ownership over the factory. Some of these documents were signed shareholder’s agreement, financial exhibits, and reports clearly indicating investment of more than USD 12 million over the factory’s development as well as audit report from an independent auditor. As per this audit report, the Portland Cement Zambia factory was established as a joint venture and Dr. Rajan Mahtani was the sole joint venture partner of the factory. It is clear from these evidences that the only reason the case stretched so far was the limitations of the government and law making bodies as well as difficult relationship between the two parties fighting for the case.

The final verdict which was announced few weeks earlier was nothing less than a shocker. As per the final verdict, the judgement was given against Dr. Mahtani’s claims. This clearly indicates that the judge did not even consider the evidences and testimonials submitted by Dr. Rajan Mahtani. It was essentially a shocker for all onlookers and experts. As of now, Dr. Mahtani has considered this judgment to be a sham and has appealed to the higher court of Zambia against this misdirected judgment made at the Lusaka High Court. Reply is awaited from the higher court of Zambia.