The Samoa Supreme Court has ruled that the removal of the former President of the Land and Titles Court by the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi government was unlawful.
Justice Whitten K.C. in handing down the decision, also granted former LTC President Letufuga Atila Ropati compensation of $750,000 tālā.
Letufuga filed the lawsuit against the government through the Attorney General’s Office seeking compensation for his abrupt removal from office.
His removal came on the back of the appointment of the new President of LTC Lesatele Rapi Vaai based on constitutional changes effected under the controversial LTC package law.
Justice Whitten K.C. ruled in favor of Letufuga in a 124-page decision and concluded the revocation of Letufuga’s appointment as President of LTC was inconsistent with the Constitution and offended the principles of judicial independence, and was therefore unlawful.
The judge also found Letufuga is entitled to compensation in the sum of $750,000 tālā.
Photo: Talamua Media
