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The government of deposed prime minister Mahendra Chaudhry must be reinstated, the high court in Fiji has ruled.
Justice Anthony Gates, in a ruling on Wednesday, stated that the interim government, set up by the military after a coup, was ''unlawful and unconstitutional''.
Chaudhry's government was overthrown in May by rebels opposed to ethnic Indians holding political office.
Gates also ordered President Ratu Kamisese Mara to summon parliament so that Chaudhry could return to power.
Chaudhry had recently returned to Fiji after a tour of Australia, India, the United Kingdom and the United States, which he used to seek international support for his reinstatement.
He welcomed the Gates ruling, saying he will "meet the president recognised by the ruling" to discuss the matter.
Speaking on Fiji TV, Chaudhry urged the authorities to abide by the ruling and recall Parliament as soon as possible so that Fiji is back to democratic rule.
The interim government said it would appeal against the ruling. A spokesman from the office of the attorney general said the ruling would be set aside while the appeal is being considered.
Commander Commodore Frank Bainimarama said the military would respect the court decision.
Police spokesman Jahin
Khan said anything was expected, but "we are on the lookout. We are
doing our normal duty."
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