The case of Portland Cement Zambia is age old and known to almost anyone associated with the corporate world in Zambia. The case was launched by Dr. Rajan Mahtani, a noted businessman and philanthropist in Zambia. The case pertains to a notable cement manufacturing factory called Portland Cement Zambia, for which Dr. Mahtani is fighting a case at the Lusaka High Court to gain back its legal ownership. Expert opinion has suggested that Dr. Mahtani is the real owner over the factory but has to take this step of going to the court after his factory was taken from him illegally.
During the trial of the factory at the court which has been going on for over ten years, Dr. Mahtani and his lawyers have submitted numerous evidences and documents that prove his legal ownership over the factory. These are signed shareholder’s agreement, financial documents and reports indicating that the factory was started as joint venture and Dr. Mahtani was the sole joint venture partner. Even the judge made a positive announcement few months back when he made the announcement that the case hearing is closed and no more trials will be entertained. This meant that the evidences and testimonials submitted will be solely responsible for making the final judgment. It was an extremely positive move as Dr. Mahtani’s evidences and testimonial were sufficient enough to prove his legal worth over the factory.
However, the final verdict was soon announced by the judge and it was an unexpected event. The final verdict given by the judge was against Dr. Mahtani’s claims, which shocked almost everyone associated with the case. It is now considered a clear case of misdirected judgment and Dr. Mahtani has taken certain steps. An appeal has been made to the higher court of Zambia against the decision made by the Lusaka High Court judge.