Category Archives: Dr. Rajan Mahtani

Capital punishment will be abolished by the current Zambian President

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Dr. Rajan Mahtani

Since the announcement made by the Zambian President, the legal and regulatory scenario within the Zambian nation is in a whirlwind. On the special occasion of Africa Day, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema made a stunning announcement, sharing his quest to abolish the death penalty row. This announcement received both positive and negative responses, more positive than negative. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani noted businessman, charity worker, and philanthropist from Zambia, also supported this announcement by stating that the death penalty is a cruel, inhumane, and degrading law, archaic and does not provide any solution for the Zambian government. Dr. Mahtani further iterated that the awareness towards abolishing the death penalty has grown significantly across the globe and Africa and this trend can be seen across Zambia too. As a result, the last capital execution was carried out in the year 1997 and since then, Presidents have been exercising strategies like mercy prerogatives to avoid the death penalty. Furthermore, the present condition of a majority of the prisons across Zambia is below standards with some of the maximum prisons having dangerously ill conditions. It has been observed that these prisons do not even provide basic human dignity for the prisoners. This has forced the Zambian government to look for strategic alternatives such as strategic decongestion of prisons.

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani further stated from a religious point of view that capital punishment or the death penalty is not appropriate in the eyes of god. According to the teachings of Jesus Christ, his sacrifice on the cross was for all human beings who believed in him and his values. The teachings of Jesus Christ are against killing other human beings as he atoned for them. Furthermore, the teachings also suggested that taking the life of another human being should only be allowed for those without sins, which is a rare case on this planet. As such, Dr. Rajan Mahtani indicated that even from a religious point of view, capital punishment is not acceptable.

Zambian President announces plans for abolishing capital punishment

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President Hakainde Hichilema recently announced that he is planning to completely abolish the death penalty sentence. This announcement has been met with roaring positive comments, including Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. According to Dr. Mahtani, death penalty is a cruel, inhumane, and degrading practice and does not hold any significance in the present society. Furthermore, the trend toward abolishing death penalty has grown significantly across the globe, including in Zambia. Even Dr. Rajan Mahtani, who owns Prison Fellowship Zambia (PFZ) has extended his full support towards this decision. Prison Fellowship is a noted Christian Outreach Program established more than three decades ago. It was established with the objective of providing transparent criminal justice for the prisoners, ex-prisoners and their families in Zambia as well as ensuring that they are not devoid of fundamental human rights and human dignity. In a similar manner, Prison Fellowship works towards bringing the learnings and teachings of Almighty Jesus Christ to the inmates, ex-inmates and their families in Zambia. As such, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani has extended his full support towards the decision from the Zambian President and has said that his company will provide legal and regulatory support towards this decision.

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani further stated from a religious point of view that capital punishment or the death penalty is not appropriate in the eyes of god. According to the teachings of Jesus Christ, his sacrifice on the cross was all human beings who believed in him and his values. The teachings of Jesus Christ are against killing other human beings. Furthermore, the teachings also suggested that taking life of another human being should only be allowed for those without sins, which is a rare case on this planet. As such, Dr. Rajan Mahtani indicated that even from a religious point of view, capital punishment is not acceptable. As such, the announcement made by the Zambian President is a step in the right direction and Dr. Rajan Mahtani has extended legal and regulatory support towards this direction.

 

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Supports Zambian President’s Decision

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Current Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, recently made an announcement. On the occasion of Africa Day, President Hichilema announced that he plans to abolish the death penalty. This announcement has received widespread support across Zambia. One of the supporters has been Dr.Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, a noted businessman, philanthropist, and charity worker from Zambia. Dr.Rajan Mahtani is the owner of Prison Fellowship Zambia (PFZ), a noted Christian Outreach Program focussing on bringing the teachings of Jesus Christ to the prisoners, ex-prisoners as well as their families in Zambia. Also, the institute works to ensure that the prisoners are allowed transparent criminal justice and are not devoid of fundamental human rights & basic human dignity. As such, Dr. Mahtani founded Prison Fellowship and has extended its full support towards the decision made by the Zambian President. Dr. Rajan Mahtani, while adding his voice to this announcement, stated that there is a significant difference between making such a bold announcement and making it a reality. This is due to the significant bureaucracy, corruption and long processes within the government to change an archaic yet old and established law. As such, Prison Fellowship will provide legal and regulatory support to ensure that the announcement sees the light of the day.

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani further stated that the punishment of the death penalty is cruel, inhumane, and degrading. Supporting this statement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani stated that the death penalty is not the solution for the increasing crimes, criminal activities, and unethical practices across the nation. Across Zambia, there are more than 380 prisoners awaiting death penalty and among them, around 25-30 are women. These people get up every day with the fear that it might be their last day on this planet. At the same time, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani has also stated that he received the privilege of meeting several inmates who have completely devoted themselves to the services of the almighty God.

Prison Fellowship will provide support for the President’s decision in all manner possible.

Top African Philanthropy Award Is Given To Dr. Mahtani

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The pandemic has resulted in significant devastation, including loss of life, property, and economy. The first two years were extremely difficult. However, the viral spread has started to slow down, and the economy is slowly opening. This is big news for businesses and organizations that have suffered numerous losses because of the pandemic. In the year 2021, Africa saw the opening of the economy as well as continuity of several events. The Forbes-FIN philanthropy and leadership roundtable conference was one such event that saw its revival after a gap. In general, the Forbes-FIN philanthropy and leadership roundtable conference are held in New York, United States. However, this year’s pandemic forced the conference to be held virtually. Members participated from their respective locations and the event was broadcasted across the globe through YouTube medium. Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, one of the most famous businessmen from Zambia, was also invited to this event as an honorary speaker and discussed the significance of leadership in healthcare. The event further saw participation from members from different fields and backgrounds including international business communities, religious leaders, policymakers, international investors, and media partners.

The Forbes-FIN (Foreign Investment Limited) philanthropy conference also hosted the Forbes ‘Best of Africa’ award ceremony. It is one of the premiers and notable philanthropy awards. Apart from being invited as one of the honorary speakers during the Forbes-FIN event, Dr. Rajan Mahtani was also selected for one of the Forbes ‘Best of Africa’ awards. For his significant contributions towards redefining the banking sector of Zambia as well as for his philanthropic and charitable contributions, Dr. Rajan Mahtani was conferred with the Forbes ‘Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year’ award 2021. Dr. Rajan Mahtani was presented with this award for his philanthropic as well as charitable contributions. He is the owner of top Zambian entities like Mahtani Group and Finsbury Investments. Similarly, Dr. Mahtani has made several philanthropic contributions such as Prison Fellowship and Stephen Malama award and scholarship for top law graduates in Zambia.

Supreme Court Zambia Announces Decision On The Portland Cement Case

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Supreme Court Zambia recently announced its final decision on the Portland Cement Zambia case. In this decision, the bizarre claim by the Ventriglia family was effectively rejected by the Supreme Court. The Ventriglia family, sometime back, made a bizarre claim in which the previous decision from the higher Court of Appeal was questions for its authenticity. It should be noted here that on 31st January 2019, justice Mwinde on behalf of the higher Court of Appeal discarded the decision from the Lusaka High Court and gave a fresh verdict on the Portland Cement Zambia case. In this verdict, Dr. Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments was announced as the majority shareholder and legal owner of the factory with 58 percent shares. On the other hand, the Ventriglias were announced as minority shareholders with 42 percent shares and without any legal ownership over the factory. The higher Court of Appeal had also clarified the amount to be paid against majority shares which was finalised at K580,000 against K580,000 claimed by the Ventriglias.

After the claim by the Ventriglia family, a bench of three Supreme Court judges was established. These included judge Royda Kaoma, Judge Mumba Malila and Judge Micheal Musonda. During evaluation, the SC bench found that the Ventriglia family failed to comply with a critical legal requirement which is submitting claims against previous court cases within 14 days of the decision. In this case, the higher Court of Appeal had announced its decision on the Portland Cement on 31st January 2019. Based on this, the Ventriglia family applied for their claim after more than 1.5 years, making it invalid. Furthermore, the Supreme Court bench also said that circumstances surrounding the claim by the Ventriglia family was controversial and beyond the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. Based on these evidences, the claim by the Ventriglia family was effectively rejected by the Supreme Court Bench.

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Remains The Legal Proprietor Of Portland Cement After SC Confirmation

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According to the latest reports, the Supreme Court Zambia has effectively rejected the appeal from the Ventriglias. Few weeks earlier, the Ventriglias had challenged the decision of the higher Court of Appeal to establish Dr. Rajan Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments as the majority shareholder and legal owner of the factory. This decision was given by justice Mwinde on 31st January 2019. By giving this decision, justice Mwinde reversed the decision from the earlier court regarding this case, Lusaka High Court. It should be noted here that the judgement from the Lusaka High Court in the Portland Cement Zambia case came more than a decade later and was extremely controversial as decision was given in favour of the Ventriglias despite evidences stating otherwise.

After more than 16 months of the judgement by higher Court of Appeal, the Ventriglias again tried to throttle the legal decision by challenging it at the Supreme Court Zambia. To evaluate this challenge, a bench of three Supreme Court judges were established. After evaluation of the challenge, several details were established. According to law, it is essential that any claim against a previous court decision is made within 14 days of the decision itself. In case of the Lusaka High Court judgement on Portland Cement which was given in the month of May, 2018, Dr. Rajan Mahtani had registered a claim at the higher Court of appeal within two weeks. As such, his appeal was accepted at the higher Court and the decision was given on 31st January 2019. However, in case of the Ventriglias’ appeal to the Supreme Court Zambia, the appeal was made more than 16 months later. This is well beyond the legal precedence. Furthermore, the judges at the Supreme Court also confirmed that the evidences surrounding the appeal from the Ventriglias were dubious with no precedence. As such, the appeal by the Ventriglias regarding Portland Cement decision from higher Court of Appeal was effectively rejected.

Dr. Rajan Mahtani Manages To Expose Fake Claims Against Him With Press Statement With Facts

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Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani differentiates himself from most of the other businessmen in Zambia with his transparent and ethical business practices and true devotion for the welfare of the Zambian society and its people. This devotion is seen in areas of philanthropic and charitable contributions as well as a straightforward and transparent business empire. This can be seen as a major reason behind scrupulous and unethical entities trying to frame him with fake claims and negative rumors. Dr. Rajan Mahtani has been able to win over these rumors almost every time without creating any campaign or response strategies. However, in some situations response strategies become critical for exposing false claims.

During his more than three decades of business experience, Dr. Rajan Mahtani made a number of industry friendships from different spheres and sectors. One of them was Levy Mwanawasa with whom Dr. Rajan Mahtani had a long-lasting and transparent friendship. Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s friendship with Levy Mwanawasa goes way back even before the latter was made the President of Zambia and continued till his early demise. As a result, it was a shocking revelation when it was found that Miriam Mwanawasa made a ludicrous claim against Dr. Rajan Mahtani. In a Facebook post, Miriam Mwanawasa claimed that Dr. Rajan Mahtani intended to take over the land at the Masaiti district owned by the Mwanawasa family. However, this claim was entirely false and as a result, Dr. Rajan Mahtani decided to take action by releasing a press statement.

In this press statement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani clarified that he never made any claims, intentions or requests regarding taking over the said land. He further stated that his friendship with late Ex-President of Zambia Levy Mwanawasa was extremely transparent. At the same time, it was further pointed out that Miriam Mwanawasa did not have any proof or evidence to support her claims. As such, her claims were regarded as baseless and Dr. Rajan Mahtani assured actions against her.

Court Of Appeal Announces Final Results After Failure Of The Lower Court To Provide The Same

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Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is a name majority of businesses in Zambia are aware of as a known businessman and charity worker in Zambia. Dr. Rajan Mahtani, as a nature of his business, has stayed in good personal and professional relationships with several noted businessmen, industrialists, politicians and several other noted figures and authorities in Zambia. One of them is late ex-President of Zambia, Levy Mwanawasa. Dr. Rajan Mahtani has maintained a long and professional relationship with the ex-president, event before he rose to prominence and became the President of Zambia.

However, Dr. Rajan Mahtani recently received a damning news when it was found that the daughter of the ex-President of Zambia, Miriam Mwanawasa, shared a social media post questioning the reputation of Dr. Rajan Mahtani. In her Facebook post, Miriam Mwanawasa claimed that Dr. Rajan Mahtani wanted to take over the farm at Masaiti District, which belonged to the Mwanawasa family. As a result of this serious claim, the Facebook post started making rounds across the social media platforms. When Dr. Rajan Mahtani came to know about this unethical and illegal post, he decided to register a press release in response.

In this press statement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani said that he maintained a long-term and positive personal and professional relationship with Levy Mwanawasa which stretched till his sad demise and remained even after that. As such, this claim made by the daughter of the late ex-President was not only shocking but also saddening. Dr. Rajan Mahtani clarified the rumour by saying that he never had any intentions of purchasing the said that and he never made any attempt, verbal or written, in this manner. At the same time, the Facebook post shared by Miriam Mwanawasa did not have any evidentiary support indicating that her post was authentic. As a result, her Facebook statement must be taken seriously or in any face value. Dr. Mahtani also said that he will take strict actions against this act.

Dr. Mahtani’s Next Challenge After Winning Portland Cement Case Is To Revive The Factory

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The path to winning the Portland Cement Zambia case was not easy. Dr. Rajan Mahtani worked for more than a decade for achieving the rightful ownership of the cement factory. Despite several attempts to get back ownership of the factory, Dr. Mahtani never received justice majorly due to the shortcomings and challenges of the Zambian legal and judiciary system. For instance, Dr. Rajan Mahtani possessed all evidences, facts and testimonials to prove his point and despite this, the judge at the Lusaka High Court failed to provide the right judgement for the businessman. The decision went for the Ventriglias and was totally controversial.

Not getting down by these controversial decisions, Dr. Rajan Mahtani rightly approached the higher Court of Appeal. The judgement at Court of Appeal was swift and transparent and was given after looking into all evidences and testimonials submitted. For instance, it was found that Dr. Mahtani paid one billion kwachas for getting majority shareholding by owning 58 percent Portland Cement shares. Furthermore, the evidences also confirmed that this shareholding pattern was accepted by all shareholders of the factory and it was also confirmed that Dr. Rajan Mahtani did not own any further payments associated with the factory. Based on all these evidences, it is now confirmed that Dr. Rajan Mahtani is the actual owner of the factory.

Several other details were shared by the higher Court of Appeal judge which further exposed the wrongdoings of the previous judge and the inability of the Zambian justice system which is responsible for the challenges faced by honest and ethical businessmen like Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. It was found that the process of electronically affixing signatures for business transactions was a common practice at the Zambezi Portland Cement. Being an acceptable practice, it was also found that Claudio Ventriglia, a critical member of the Ventriglias family, engaged in similar practice. As such, all forgery related allegations were found to be baseless and were discarded by the judge.

Ownership Of The Cement Manufacturing Factory Confirmed, Its Dr. Rajan Mahtani After Confirmation

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Now that the final verdict has come from the higher Court of Appeal, it is now a known fact that Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is the actual and legal owner of the Portland Cement Zambia factory. This decision came on 31st January 2019 after a long battle at the Lusaka High Court as well as the Court of Appeal. Often when cases are not finalised as a district level court or some discrepancies are still found in the decision, the issues are generally taken to the higher courts. Zambia is a developing nation and the higher Court of Appeal is among the highest courts within the nation. As such, it was natural for Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani to approach the Court after Lusaka High Court gave an extremely controversial judgement.

Justice Mwinde on behalf of the Court of Appeal announced the decision on the Zambezi Portland Cement case. Unlike the Lusaka High Court’s controversial and misdirected decision, the Court of Appeal gave its final decision only after looking into all evidences and testimonials. One of the major evidences was the proof of financial transaction of one billion kwachas or USD 250,000 from Dr. Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments to Zambezi Portland Cement. This amount covered the entire value of the share capital of the Zambezi Portland Cement Limited. While this financial transaction took place in the year 2005, the evidence of this transaction was further found in the original shareholders’ agreement established in the year 2007. In the page number 663 of this original shareholders’ agreement, it is clearly written that Dr. Rajan Mahtani does not owe any further costs associated with the factory. It was also found that all other costs associated with the transaction such as PTT was responsibility of the Vendor.

All these evidences have now clearly established the fact that Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is the only legal owner of the factory.