Rizvi Jurangpathy, CEO of the Tonga Communications Corporation (TCC) through his counsel withdrew his appeal during the 2017 Tonga Court of Appeal first day of sitting on Thursday, March 9 in Nuku’alofa.

William Edwards who acted for the appellant started presenting his case before informing the Court of their decision to withdraw the appeal.

This was an appeal regarding a Supreme Court ruling last year, which dismissed Rizvi's application when he sought an interim stay of an investigation by the Public Relations Commissioner, until his defamation action has been heard in the Magistrate's Court and determined. 

Rizvi's conduct was the subject of the investigation by the Commissioner for Public Relations.

Crown counsel Semisi Lutui informed the Court that indication from the Public Relations Commissioner stated the investigation has been completed and a report is to be submitted to the Prime Minister.

This appeal (withdrawn) was one of six appeal cases before Hon. Justice Michael Moore, Hon. Justice Peter Blanchard and Hon. Justice Rodney Hansen, from March 9-10, at the Supreme Court.

Judgments will be delivered on Thursday, March 16.