By Jones Gadama
In a dramatic turn of events, the Chief Justice in Blantyre, Rizine Mzikamanda, has reserved ruling on an application by legal practitioner Paul Maulidi, seeking to have his dismissed application restored.
Maulidi’s application is aimed at avoiding being struck off the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
Maulidi’s troubles began when he failed to attend court on scheduled dates, prompting Attorney General (AG) Thabo Chakaka-Nyirenda to oppose the restoration of the matter.
The AG argued that Maulidi had failed to meet the conditions for restoration, including filing the application within the required seven-day period.
According to the AG, Maulidi’s application was filed on February 27, 2025, eight days after the court order and beyond the seven-day deadline.
The AG further argued that the application was an attempt to delay the hearing of the substantive case to strike Maulidi off the Roll of Legal Practitioners.
Maulidi, however, attempted to convince the Chief Justice that his failure to attend court was not deliberate and was due to valid reasons.
Despite his efforts, the AG remained adamant that Maulidi had failed to prosecute the matter since 2010, despite being granted an opportunity to do so on February 19, 2025.
The AG had previously sought Maulidi’s removal from the Roll of Legal Practitioners, citing allegations of embezzling client funds, leading to violations of the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act.
The court has adjourned the hearing, with a ruling to be issued on a date to be set. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for Maulidi’s career as a legal practitioner.
As the legal community waits with bated breath for the Chief Justice’s ruling, one thing is clear: the case has brought to the fore the importance of adhering to court procedures and deadlines.
The AG’s opposition to Maulidi’s application has also highlighted the need for legal practitioners to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
The case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the legal system in dealing with cases of professional misconduct.
As the Chief Justice deliberates on Maulidi’s application, the legal community will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds.
In the meantime, Maulidi’s fate remains uncertain, and the legal community can only speculate about the outcome of the case.
One thing is certain, however: the case will have significant implications for the legal profession in Malawi.
