Court adjourns Kalaut’s dismissal hearing to May 1

By KARO JESSE
THE directions hearing for a stay order issued by the National Court against the decision of Police Commissioner David Manning to dismiss assistant Commissioner for Human Resource Sylvester Kalaut was adjourned to May 1.
Justice David Cannings adjourned the hearing on Friday after the court was told that Manning (first defendant) and the State (second defendant) were yet to file their defence submissions.
Kalaut’s lawyer David Dotaona told The National that there was still time to allow the commissioner and the State to file their defence submissions.
“We see that there is no case because, the defendants have not file their submission or evidence,” Justice Cannings said.
“Kalaut was on prolonged suspension until he was dismissed from duty, and if they have not provided any evidence or laid any charge against him, we will be filing a motion for no case ruling.”
Kalaut’s lawyer is likely to file for a motion of no case ruling to the court if defendants fail and make their defence submission or provide evidence.
Justice Cannings, on April 9, stayed Manning’s decision to have Kalaut dismissed from duty.
On a later date, he ordered Kalaut not to resume duty as a member of the force in any capacity and should not involve himself in any functions of the force unless and until Manning decided otherwise or in accordance with an order of the national court.
Justice Cannings also ordered that Kalaut remain on force’s payroll and to continue receiving his salary and emoluments.
The matter stemmed from a disaffection caused at a senior police officers’ meeting when Kalaut asked Manning to produce the National Executive council (NEC) decision and gazetted notice for his (Manning) appointment.