Former CEO sues Tonga Communications Corp [1]
Monday, May 8, 2017 - 17:54
Rizvi Jurangpathy whose employment contract was terminated by a unanimous decision of a Combined ICT Board during a meeting on 21 April, has filed a civil action against the Tonga Communications Corporation.
On 21 April, in a letter from the TCC Board Chairman informed Mr Jurangpatthy of their decision to terminate his contract, with immediate effect.
The Board had asked him to go on leave in July 2016, and since then he had nine months with full salary and benefits.
The letter stated their decision was based on an internal investigation prompted by a directive from the shareholders and a company wide staff petition that found, allegedly: incorrect overstatement declaration net profit 2014-15 FY allegedly based on willful omission of pertinent information, receiving bonus payment (profited) of $20,000 based on incorrect declaration of the net profit for the same duration, as well as other allegations regarding his behaviour.
They directed he pay back to TCC his bonus payment, and vacate the company's premises where he stayed in Tofoa within seven-days, from the date of the letter.
In response, Mr Jurangpathy through his counsel William Edwards filed a civil action against TCC in the Supreme Court, with the writ of summons issued by the Registrar on 28 April.
In the statement of claim, he filed several cause of actions that included breach of natural justice, procedural impropriety and failure to take account relevant factors and considering irrelevant factors, irrationality and other alternatives.
He therefore sought the Court's judgment for himself, and against TCC damages for $375,000 pa'anga being salary for renewal of contract; damages for other salary entitlements and benefits for the further three-year renewable term, damages for the deductions made to his salary from July 29, 2016 to April 21, 2017.
In additon, he is also seeking damages of $80,000 pa’anga for the emotional harm and mental distress he had suffered.