The High Court in Blantyre has deferred its ruling for 14 days on whether to proceed or dismiss a case involving businessman Leston Mulli.

Mulli is seeking up to K270 billion, plus interest, from the government in a lawsuit for loss of business over a three-year period during the Joyce Banda administration after a ban on government business to companies owned by the entrepreneur.

The State, represented by Attorney General Thabo Chakaka, has moved for the court to dismiss the case.

Nyirenda argues that the claimed amount is exaggerated.

“That case underwent litigation in the commercial division of the High Court, where Justice Dr. Michael Mtambo entirely dismissed it. Therefore, we contend that since a similar case was previously dismissed, it cannot be revived,” said Nyirenda.

Lawyer for the claimant, John Kalampa, remains hopeful that the court will rule in favour of his client, asserting that they possess sufficient evidence to support their case.

Mulli argues that his companies suffered losses amounting to K33 million in profits and K131 million in interest due to delayed payments.

The lawsuit also includes claims of K966 million in suppliers and salaries, K602 million in interest charges for litigation, and K104.8 billion in loss of earnings.

When interest is factored in, the amount being demanded escalates to K1 trillion, roughly equivalent to one-third of Malawi’s budget.