Dr. Mahtani & Zambia

Ventriglias challenge the decision from the higher Court of Appeal, rejected by Supreme Court

According to the latest decision from the Supreme Court Zambia, Dr. Rajan Mahtani is the legal owner of the Portland Cement Zambia factory. The case of Portland Cement Zambia is peculiar as it has been approached to almost all levels of judiciary system in Zambia. Portland Cement Zambia factory was established in the year 2004 and in 2006, a series of verified and legal shareholding changes made Dr. Rajan Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments as the majority shareholder and legal owner of the factory.

However, things took a tumultuous turn when the Ventriglias took over the factory via unethical means. This promoted Dr. Rajan Mahtani to approach the Lusaka High Court. The judge at the Lusaka High Court was justice Nkonde and despite sharing all relevant evidences and testimonials, the judge gave a controversial decision in which the Ventriglias were announced as only shareholders of the Portland Cement. However, Dr. Rajan Mahtani was quick to approach the higher Court of Appeal and after around nine months of case proceedings, justice Mwinde on behalf of the Court of Appeal announced his decision on 31st January 2019. According to this decision, Dr. Rajan Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments is the majority shareholder and legal owner of the factory with 58 percent shared and Ventriglias owned Ital Terrazzo Limited holds juts 42 percent shares over the factory without any legal ownership. The decision also confirmed that the actual amount to be paid by Finsbury Investments against the majority shares owned is K580,000 and not K580 million.

However, it seems like the Ventriglias decided to try their luck one more time by approaching the higher Court of Appeal. In their appeal, the Ventriglias challenged the decision from the higher Court of Appeal. A bench comprising of three judges was established by the Supreme Court of Zambia for reviewing the validity of the appeal. After the review, the appeal was rejected on legal grounds and circumstantial evidences. As such, Dr. Rajan Mahtani remains the only owner of the Portland Cement factory.

Dr Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani

Supreme Court Zambia Supports Decision From Higher Court Of Appeal, Rejects Ventriglias’ Claim

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is a known businessman in Zambia which numerous successful companies such as Mahtani Group of Companies, Finsbury Investments and Finance Bank Zambia. He is also known for his transparent and ethical business practices. Dr. Rajan Mahtani and the case of Portland Cement Zambia is well-known case within the Zambian corporate. The factory was unethically taken over by the Ventriglias and after that, Dr. Rajan Mahtani registered a case at the Lusaka High Court. Despite having all evidences and testimonials, the judge at the Lusaka High Court dragged the case for more than a decade and gave a misdirected judgement. To counter this judgement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani spared no time and approached the higher Court of Appeal. The judge at the higher Court of Appeal was justice Mwinde who after looking into the evidences and testimonials, announced that Dr. Rajan Mahtani owned Finsbury Investments was majority shareholder and legal owner of the Portland Cement Zambia factory. It was also announced Finsbury Investments held 58 percent shares while Ital Terrazzo Limited held only 42 percent shares at the Portland Cement Zambia factory, making the former majority shareholder and legal owner of the factory.

To receive further justice, Finsbury Investments applied for embodiment order and was heard by justice Mwinde from the higher Court of Appeal. After evaluating the appeal, justice Mwinde rightly announced that the actual amount payment by Finsbury Investments to the Ventriglias against the majority shares transferred to Finsbury Investments was K580,000 which aligned with the 2012 Re-denomination of the Currency Act-8.

Sometime back, the Ventriglias challenged the decision from the higher Court of Appeal. This appeal was made to the Supreme Court of Zambia and to evaluate the validity of the appeal, a bench of three SC judges was established. After evaluation, it was found that the appeal was legally not feasible as it was way behind the legal policy of making appeals. Furthermore, the judges also declared that the evidences were not satisfactory and therefore, the appeal was rejected.

Dr Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani

Dr. Rajan Mahtani To Remain Owner Of The Zambezi Portland, Confirms Supreme Court

In the year 2018, justice Nkonde from the Lusaka High Court in his judgement had declared that the only legitimate & bona fide owners of the Zambezi Portland Cement limited were the Ventriglias. Justice Nkonde has also declared that any share ownership in the Zambezi Portland Cement factory claimed by the Finsbury Investments irrespective of the evidences and testimonials was to be considered as a fraudulent act. Justice Nkonde also declared that Finsbury Investments had failed to pay any property transfer tax and as a result, they cannot be considered as the owner or shareholders of the Portland Cement Zambia factory.

However, Dr. Rajan Mahtani took the right step and appealed to the higher Court of Appeal on seven different grounds. After looking into the evidences and testimonials, the higher Court of Appeal promptly dismissed the findings of justice Nkonde from the Lusaka High Court. According to the decision from the Higher Court of Appeal, the evidences and testimonials clearly indicated that the shareholding pattern of Zambezi Portland Cement were made consensually by all members of the factory. However, the higher Court of Appeal ordered Finsbury Investments to pay a sum of K580 million to Ventriglias for the majority shares transferred in the company’s name. This included the interest at Bank of Zambia based on the short fixed-term deposit rate.

According to the Supreme Court judges, the action by Finsbury Investments to launch an appeal at the Higher Court of Appeal was correct and the decision to involve the Rule-19 towards thwarting the further unethical progress from the Ventriglias was also correct. The appeal from the Ventriglias cannot be touched now as according to law, the escalation of the case to the Supreme Court of Zambia will amount to nothing as the decision from the Supreme Court on Zambezi Portland Cement remains same as the previous Court, higher Court of Appeal.

Dr Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani

Unethical Post Against Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Exposed With Press Statement

Dr. Rajan Mahtani has more than three decades of business experience despite working in a difficult nation filled with economic and social hurdles, he has kept transparent and ethical business principles across all his companies. At the same time, it is also true that Dr. Rajan Mahtani has been outspoken about ethical individuals and organizations and have never supported scrupulous entities for his businesses. He is also a firm believer in seeking justice when wrong has been done to him or any of his entities.

In his business and professional career, Dr. Rajan Mahtani maintained transparent friendship with many big personalities across the nation. Late ex-President of Zambia Levy Mwanawasa was one of them with whom Dr. Rajan Mahtani had long-standing and transparent relationship, even before Levy Mwanawasa became the president of Zambia. As a result, the recent social media post from Miriam Mwanawasa who is the daughter of the late ex-President of Zambia was extremely controversial and surprising.

In a Facebook post, Miriam Mwanawasa claimed that Dr. Rajan Mahtani wanted to inherit the farmland owned by the Mwanawasa family at the Masaiti District. However, there was no justification, proof or evidence to the post. However, the nature of the post was extremely serious and as a result, it started making rounds at the internet. As a result, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani decided to take action against this unethical post.

A press statement was released by Dr. Rajan Mahtani for clarifying the allegations. In this press release, Dr. Rajan Mahtani clarified that though he had a long-standing friendship with the late Ex-President of Zambia, he never made any such intentions or claims regarding taking over the farmland. At the same time, Dr. Mahtani highlighted the fact that the post by Miriam Mwanawasa was without any evidence to support her claims. As such, this post was considered as ludicrous and malicious and Dr. Mahtani also confirmed that he will be taking actions against this post.

Dr Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani

Dr. Rajan Mahtani Released Media Press Release For Curbing False Claims Against Him

Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s reputation is distinct from the rest of the Zambian businessmen due to his sheer transparent, ethical and straightforward business practices. As a result, unethical and scrupulous entities rarely mess with Dr. Mahtani or his businesses. Rumours and fake claims against Dr. Rajan Mahtani often die on their own due to lack of evidence or proof. However, Dr. Rajan Mahtani recently faced a unique case in which a fake claim against Dr. Rajan Mahtani started making rounds at the internet and significantly impacted the reputation and normal business proceedings, resulting in Dr. Rajan Mahtani taking the matters in his own hand.

A Facebook post was recently shared on the social media by Miriam Mwanawasa, the daughter of the late ex-President of Zambia Levy Mwanawasa. Dr. Rajan Mahtani had a long-standing, authentic and transparent friendship with the late Ex-President of Zambia and this friendship went way early even before Levy Mwanawasa became the Zambian President. As a result, the Facebook post shared by Miriam Mwanawasa resulted in significant media gossips. In this Facebook post, Miriam Mwanawasa claimed that Dr. Rajan Mahtani wanted to inherit the farmland at Masaiti district which is currently under the ownership of the Mwanawasa family. As a result of this ludicrous claim, Dr. Rajan Mahtani decided to take action in the form of a press release.

A press release statement was shared to the media on behalf of Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. In this press statement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani stated that though he had maintained a transparent friendship with the late ex-President of Zambia, he never made any such claims, requests or pressurized the family. This claim was regarded as unethical and ludicrous considering the fact that Miriam Mwanawasa did not provide any evidence or proofs to support her claims. The very fact that this ludicrous message was posted on a social media site is confirmation that her intentions were only to malign the image of Dr. Rajan Mahtani. As such, legal actions will be taken against this post.

Dr Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani

Dr. Rajan Mahtani Thrashes Defamatory Posts, Releases Press Statement For Clarification

Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s long-standing friendship with Levy Mwanawasa is known to everyone. This friendship went back even before Levy Mwanawasa became the president of Zambia and remained intact till the untimely demise of the former president. Even during the difficult time, Dr. Rajan Mahtani provided several support to the Mwanawasa family. As a result, the social media post shared by Miriam Mwanawasa, daughter of the late Ex-President of Zambia was shocking to everyone. In a Facebook post shared to the public, Miriam Mwanawasa claimed that Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani wanted to inherit their farm land at the Masaiti District. As a result if the nature of the accusation and the individuals associated with it, the Facebook post became viral and started making rounds in the internet. It was then this social media post caught the attention of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and his lawyers when they realised the reputational, professional and business-related damaged this post has been doing since it was posted in the social media channel.

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani decided to act against this post. A press release was released addressing the media and clarify this misunderstanding. In this press release, Dr. Rajan Mahtani clearly stated that even though he had a long-standing personal friendship with Late Levy Mwanawasa, this friendship was extremely transparent. Furthermore, Dr. Rajan Mahtani never made any claims or requests to the Mwanawasa family regarding taking over their farmland. Dr. Rajan Mahtani also said that Miriam Mwanawasa did not have any proof or evidence to claim her accusations. As such, these accusations were regarded as malicious, ludicrous and made with the objective of ruining the reputation of an honest citizen and businessman in Zambia. Dr. Rajan Mahtani also said that he will be taking stringent actions against this Facebook post to ensure that people or groups are not encouraged to take similar unethical and unlawful actions in future.

Rajan Mahtani and Portland Cement Zambia

Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s Contribution Praiseworthy, Writes Top Graduating Law Student From Ziale

Apart from this successful business practices, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani has established numerous philanthropic and charitable activities for himself. Most of these philanthropic and social responsibility activities go unnoticed as unlike other companies and businessmen, Dr. Mahtani hardly promotes or highlights his contributions in the media. Recently, an article was released at the Daily Mail in which the top graduating student from the ZIALE thanked Dr. Rajan Mahtani for his significant contribution to the educational society.

The award was launched in the year 2012 by Finance Bank Zambia whose chairman is Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani. This award was launched for honouring memory and legacy of late Steven Mwaba Malama, who does in the year 2012. Steven Malama was a notable legal architect of Zambia and was esteemed member of the bar. Steven Malama has been described as distinguished law professional, Bar luminary and role model for many in the legal society. He was also a good friend of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and to honour his contributions to the society, this award was established. The award is presented to the top graduating student from ZIALE (Zambia Institute of Advanced Legal Education). ZIALE is one of the top law colleges in Zambia and the award goes to students qualifying for Bar admission in their first attempt.

Emmanuel Bwalya Kaluba won the award for the year 2018-19. To share his gratitude, an article was penned down by Emmanuel which thanked Dr. Rajan Mahtani for his significant contribution to the legal students. Apart from the prestigious award which in itself is a distinguished achievement, the winning student will also receive a certificate, a plaque as well as an award money worth K15,000. The award has been established as a long-term opportunity for students and is presented at the yearly Gala Dinner for LAZ. Despite the various difficulties and challenges, Dr. Rajan Mahtani continues to work for the development and betterment of the Zambian society and its people.

Dr Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani

Press Release Statement Against Unethical And Unlawful Social Media Post

Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s name was recently a topic of negative reputation campaign. While such negative reputation campaigns or defamatory posts are common for Dr. Rajan Mahtani, this one was different. Normally, Dr. Rajan Mahtani receives such defamatory posts from jealous or vengeful entities as well as those who have not been able to persuade Dr. Rajan Mahtani to engage with unethical and illegal business practices. However, this case was different as the allegation came from Miriam Mwanawasa, daughter of late ex-President of Zambia Levy Mwanawasa. It should be noted here that Levy Mwanawasa and Dr. Rajan Mahtani have maintained a long-standing, transparent professional as well as personal relationship with each other. This relationship was smooth even after the sad demise of the late ex-Zambian president.

As a result, it was an extremely shocking news when it was found that Miriam Mwanawasa shared a Facebook post claiming that Dr. Rajan Mahtani had intentions of taking control of the farmland at Masaiti. This farmland is owned by the Mwanawasa family. This Facebook post, due to its nature and the person sharing it, started making round across the web. As a result, it came under the scanner of Dr. Rajan Mahtani and his legal team decided to take appropriate actions against this act.

Dr. Rajan Mahtani released a press statement shortly after. In this press statement, Dr. Rajan Mahtani clarified that he never made any claims of taking control of the farmland. Neither he made any statement with the Mwanawasa family not he had any intentions. Dr. Rajan Mahtani himself iterated that he had a great personal and professional relationship with the late ex-President of Zambia. As a result, it was extremely defamatory, malicious and scandalous for daughter Miriam Mwanawasa to share such content across online media platform. Furthermore, the press statement also clarified that the Facebook post was shared without giving any other form of evidence. As such, the authenticity of the post was questionable from the start.

Furthermore, Dr. Rajan Mahtani also said that he will be taking strict actions against this act as it resulted in significant loss of reputation for Dr. Rajan Mahtani.

Rajan Mahtani and Portland Cement Zambia

Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani Releases Press Statement Thrashing Unsubstantiated Claims

It seems like Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani is always fighting one thing or the other. With his transparency, honesty and ethical business practices, Dr. Rajan Mahtani has been able to establish a niche for himself as one of the most ethical and honest businessman in Zambia. In a corrupt economy like Zambia, this means saying no to a lot of corrupt and unethical businesses, individuals and groups who are looking to profit from Dr. Rajan Mahtani’s rising reputation. As Dr. Rajan Mahtani started saying no to unethical business deals and started exposing the criminals, he also started gaining various enemies. These are the enemies who are basically jealous people or those who could not entice or persuade Dr. Mahtani to engage in unethical practices.

A Facebook post recently caught the attention of Dr. Rajan Mahtani as it had made claims that were ludicrous and baseless. More so, the claims came from Miriam Mwanawasa, who is the daughter of late Zambian president Levy Mwanawasa. It is no secret that Dr. Rajan Mahtani shared a personal and professional relationship with the president for a long time. As a result, such malicious claims coming from the daughter was truly shocking. In her Facebook post, Miriam Mwanawasa claimed that Dr. Mahtani allegedly wanted to inherit the farm owned by the Mwanawasa family at the Masaiti district. But the truth is, Dr. Rajan Mahtani never made such requests anytime and the post was made without any basis. It is yet unclear why the daughter of the late ex-President resorted to such act but Dr. Rajan Mahtani was in no way letting this negative reputation damage his status.

As such, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani immediately released a press statement in which he claimed that all allegations made by Miriam Mwanawasa were baseless and fake. Dr. Rajan Mahtani also clarified that no such talks, actions were conducted from his end. At the same time, Dr. Mahtani said that appropriate actions will be taken against this ludicrous & malicious post.

Dr Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani

Higher Court Of Appeal Plays Significant Role In Giving Justice To Dr. Rajan Mahtani

One of the most successful businessman in Zambia, Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani, has faced significant challenges his entire life. These challenges are associated with dealing with corrupt officials, unethical practices and ensuring transparency in his business practices. However, one of the biggest challenges which Dr. Mahtani has faced over the years has been to gain back ownership of the Portland Cement Zambia factory after it was unethically and illegally taken over from him. For more than a decade, Dr. Rajan Mahtani fought tirelessly at the Lusaka High Court with the sole purpose of getting back Portland Cement ownership and saving the factory from its downfall at the hands of its capturer. However, transparent and straightforward businessmen are often the ones facing the highest challenges. Dr. Rajan Mahtani was not given justice at the Lusaka High Court justice Nkonde on behalf of the court announced that Ventriglias were only shareholders of the Portland Cement.

Dr. Rajan Mahtani has always been a believer of the country’s judiciary system and despite this outright misdirected decision from the Lusaka High Court, Dr. Rajan Mahtani decided to take another chance and approached the higher Court of Appeal. The judge at the higher Court of Appeal was justice Mwinde who, unlike the previous judge, made a thorough observation of the evidences and testimonials. It should be noted here that the final decision from the higher Court of Appeal came on 31st January 2019 which was just nine months of case proceedings. In his final verdict, justice Mwinde on behalf of the higher Court of Appeal announced that Dr. Rajan Mahtani was indeed the actual owner of the Portland Cement Zambia based on the evidences.

It is said that those who follow a path of transparency and ethics, are the ones reaping the rewards at the end. In this case, it was Dr. Rajan Lekhraj Mahtani reaping the reward for his transparency and ethical stance.