Case adjourned, parties told to work together

By CHARLES MOI
A leadership tribunal inquiring into allegations levelled against senior judge Justice Sir Bernard Sakora, pictured, has advised parties to discuss with each other relevant legal issues to ensure the matter is heard quickly.
The tribunal comprising Justice Sir Bruce Robertson, Justice William Neill and Justice Lawrence Kangwia gave the direction at the Waigani Courthouse yesterday after the matter was adjourned for three weeks.
The allegations in the matter relate to delayed judgments in cases heard and reserved for decisions.
Chairman of the tribunal Sir Bruce said Sir Bernard was a senior judge in PNG and was entitled to a fair hearing.
Lawyer Loani Henao, representing Sir Bernard, had sought an adjournment because his client was not informed that the matter would be heard yesterday.
Henao also said he was not served the charges and was therefore not ready to assist the court with relevant documents.
Counsel assisting the tribunal and Public Prosecutor Pondros Kaluwin did not object to Henao’s request for an adjournment.
The tribunal granted the adjournment and ordered parties to return to court on Sept 19.
The Judicial and Legal Services Commission (JLSC) appointed the tribunal to investigate and report to the JLSC if Sir Bernard should be removed from the office of a judge.