Court faults MACRA on phone in programs ban

High court sitting as constitutional court in Lilongwe has ruled that the ban on phone in programs by MACRA was illegal.

MACRA suspended the programs last year citing unprofessionalism on the part of broadcasters but MISA Malawi obtained an injunction.

Delivering judgment the court consisting of 3 judges including Charles Mkandawire said MACRA did not follow procedures when banning the phone in programs and ordered it to pay the costs.

In an interview lawyer of MISA John Suzi Banda said the judgment is a reminder to all public offices that they can only act within the law.

Banda said they will come up with the amounts of costs which MACRA is supposed to give them.

In his remarks lawyer representing MACRA Innocent Kadammanja said “I will reflect on the ruling and get directives from his client.”