A FIVE-man Supreme Court bench chaired by Chief Justice Sir Mari Kapi yesterday met at Waigani to hear contempt proceedings against Defence Minister Bob Dadae and several media organisations in relation to the Julian Moti inquiry case.
Minister Dadae and EM TV, Post Courier, Sunday Chronicles and The National who are accused of being in contempt of court for uttering and publishing material that were subjudice.
During the hearing yesterday, lawyers discussed with the bench how the matter should proceed as there appeared to be no precedent for such case.
It was agreed among the parties that the case would proceed under the National Court rules as the only case of some relevance – the Nahau Rooney case – happened before the rules of the court were set.
It was also agreed that the case be adjourned so that the wording of the court papers be closely looked at again, an issue raised by lawyers representing the Defence minister.
The National newspaper was also not represented because it was short served, warranting an adjournment.
The case will proceed on Monday morning.
The contempt proceedings were instigated by the Registrar of the National Judicial Services Ian Augerea.
Mr Augerea is alleging that Minister Dadae and the media organisations named were in contempt of court for publishing a statement issued by the minister when Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare and others had filed matters relating to the Moti case that were pending in court.