Court quashes removal of Tongan nobles from TBC board

Tonga's Supreme Court has quashed a government decision to remove two directors of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission.

RNZI reports in October last year the broadcasting minister Poasi Tei, had removed Dowager Lady Fielakepa and Dowager Lady Fusitu'a from the TBC board.

Prime minister, Akilisi Pohiva, at the time said it was part of a government reform strategy recommended by the World Bank.

Government had wanted the women to resign voluntarily, but Lady Fusitu'a, who was the chair of the TBC board, refused and said the government was acting outside the law.

The Lord Chief Justice, Owen Paulsen, overturned the dismissals yesterday and also awarded both women costs.