High Court Judge Charles Mkandawire has ordered former president Peter Mutharika and former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Lloyd Muhara to personally pay costs incurred in the Chief Justice case.

The two were faulted by the court months ago after they tried to send Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda and Justice Edward Twea on leave pending their retirement.

The court has however given the two chance to challenge the court decision and present their side of the story before a determination on the cost is made.

Judge Mkandawire ruled that the two should settle costs personally to the claimants, who are HRDC, Women Lawyers Association, Magistrates Association, HRDC and the Malawi Law Society.

Mutharika through his Chief Secretary ordered the Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda and Justice Edward Twea to go on leave pending their retirement.
The decision attracted mixed reaction with many describing the move as political considering the then political situation the country.