Mr Nicholas Chapman, managing director of The Irish Times Ltd, has begun proceedings in the High Court to prevent the company from taking any steps to remove him from that position, except in accordance with the principles of natural and constitutional justice.
He is also seeking a number of other orders against the company.
The proceedings by Mr Chapman against The Irish Times Ltd were mentioned briefly to Mr Justice Butler yesterday by Mr Paul Gardiner SC, for the plaintiff, who said the matter was of some urgency.
The action was adjourned to November 8th for mention after Mr Roddy Horan, for the company, said his client was continuing to pay Mr Chapman's salary.
It is expected a date for a full hearing will be sought then.
In his proceedings, Mr Chapman is also seeking an injunction restraining the company from appointing any person other than him to perform the duties of managing director. He is also seeking a further injunction restraining The Irish Times Ltd from treating him as other than continuing to be employed as managing director of the company.
Before the court also is an application for an injunction restraining The Irish Times Ltd from publishing or causing to be published in any manner whatsoever any statement or other communication that Mr Chapman is no longer managing director of the company or that he has stepped aside from that position or otherwise ceases to act in any way as managing director.
There is also an application for an order, if necessary, directing the company to permit Mr Chapman to carry out all functions of his office and employment as managing director.
There is a further application for an order, if necessary, directing the company to continue to pay all emoluments to Mr Chapman arising from his appointment as managing director of the defendant company.