The Industrial Relations Court (IRC) in Blantyre has reserved its ruling to next Monday on an application by Press Corporation Limited (PCL) seeking a stay of execution on a judgment that ordered the company to pay K14.1 billion to three former executives for unfair dismissal.

PCL has appealed to the High Court against both the IRC’s finding that the company unfairly dismissed the executives, Elizabeth Mafeni, Benard Ndau, and George Partridge, and the subsequent award of K14.1 billion in compensation.

On Friday, the IRC heard testimony from PCL’s Chief Finance and Administration Executive, Moureen Mbeye, who argued that paying the amount would severely affect the company’s operations.

Patrick Mpaka, one of the lawyers representing PCL, told the court that their review of the judgments revealed several errors and that the financial implications of the award are untenable for any business in Malawi.

“The reason for the request is simple: the amount ordered and the time frame given are simply impossible for any business to manage,” said Mpaka.

However, lawyer John Suzi Banda, representing the claimants, dismissed the application, arguing that the reasons presented by PCL do not justify a stay of enforcement.

“In short, we don't believe there are valid reasons for a stay of enforcement,” he said.

PCL, through its lawyers, filed an appeal with the High Court on April 28, 2025, challenging the IRC's rulings delivered on October 22, 2024, and April 25, 2025.