Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani will forever remember the case of Portland Cement Zambia. It not only tested real patience from one of the most honest and transparent businessman in Zambia, but also exposed the real truth of Zambia’s legal system. Despite being on the ethical side, Dr. Rajan Mahtani faced several roadblocks and challenges to final victory. The most shocking aspect of this case is that the controversy came straight from the judicial system of Zambia. This one is related to the Portland Cement Zambia case, a case which spanned over a decade and two different judicial systems of Zambia. First it was the local high court, Lusaka HC where the case was initially registered by Dr. Rajan Mahtani. With high hopes, expectations included a speedy case proceeding and sharing of verdict based on available evidences and testimonials. However, the case took a surprise turn when case proceedings were dragged for a decade without giving any affirmative verdict.
Dr. Rajan Mahtani, who is known for his strong will and perseverance in the face of struggle, did not gave up on his fight and re-appealed. This time, the appeal was made at the higher judiciary system of Zambia, higher Court of Appeal. The judge at the higher Court of Appeal was justice Mwinde and after evaluating the submitted evidences, final decision was given on 31st January 2019. According to this decision, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani had always made a payment of one billion kwachas via his company Finsbury Investments for covering the entire share capital value of Portland Cement Zambia factory. Furthermore, details from the original Shareholders’ Agreement also confirmed that Dr. Rajan Mahtani took over 58 percent shares of the factory with this amount. Based on the evidences, it is now cleared that Dr. Rajan Mahtani is indeed the actual owner and majority shareholder of the Portland Cement Zambia factory.
This decision from the higher Court of Appeal has been declared as final and finding.