By Burnett Munthali

The Chief Justice of Malawi is facing growing pressure as allegations continue to emerge against High Court Justice Kenani Manda, who has come under scrutiny for his handling of a legal case involving students at the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR). The university has formally written to the Chief Justice, seeking intervention in what it describes as an abuse of judicial powers that is infringing on the students’ educational rights.

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At the core of the controversy is an injunction issued by Justice Manda through the Commercial Division of the High Court, which has delayed the resolution of a critical dispute affecting LUANAR students. The Student Union Representative Council (SURC), led by its President, Overton Jere, has been vocal in calling for the revocation of the injunction and the reassignment of the case to a different judge.

According to Jere, the students have been driven to this point after multiple adjournments, which they claim have prolonged the case unnecessarily, disrupting their academic progress. Speaking to MIJ Online, Jere expressed the students’ frustrations with the slow pace of justice, stating that the legal process has unfairly disadvantaged the student body.

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“We have tried to engage with the legal system, but the continued delays are affecting our rights to education,” Jere said. “This case needs to be expedited, and we believe it’s in the best interest of all parties for it to be handled by another judge.”

LUANAR students have now taken a decisive step, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the Chief Justice to address their concerns. They are demanding swift action to lift the injunction and ensure that their case is heard without further delays. If no response is forthcoming, the students have hinted at possible protests or other actions to pressure the judiciary into acting.

This development adds to the mounting pressure on the Chief Justice, who is already under fire from other sectors of the judiciary and public over accusations of leniency towards Justice Manda. Critics argue that Justice Manda’s handling of this case is part of a broader pattern of questionable judicial decisions that undermine public confidence in the judiciary.

The coming days will be crucial as the Chief Justice weighs the demands from LUANAR students against the need to uphold judicial independence. Whether this case will be moved to another judge or continue under Justice Manda’s jurisdiction remains to be seen, but it is clear that the students’ patience is running out.

For now, all eyes are on the judiciary, as the Chief Justice must navigate the delicate balance between addressing the students’ concerns and maintaining judicial protocol.