Court stays police commissioner’s decision over Kalaut’s dismissal

THE Waigani National Court has stayed Police Commissioner David Manning’s decision to dismiss Assistant Commissioner for Human Resources Sylvester Kalaut.
Manning dismissed Kalaut on the March 19 on the grounds of causing disaffection in the force for questioning the National Executive Council’s decision to appoint him (Manning) as the Police Commissioner.
Justice David Cannings in the National Court also ruled on Thursday that Kalaut should not be put off the payroll and to continue receiving his salary and other emoluments in accordance to his employment contract until further order of the court.
The court ruled that Kalaut should not resume duty as a member of the force in any capacity and also should not involve himself in any functions of the force unless and until Manning decides otherwise or in accordance with an order of the National Court.
The Court then adjourned to Friday at 1.30pm for these proceedings to return for directions hearing and the return of any notice of motion filed by any of the parties in the interim.
Kalaut had challenged his dismissal arguing that the reasons given for his terminations were vague and ambiguous and did not warrant termination.
“The main reason was gross insubordination and that was not expounded clearly and the termination notice does not disclose the date and the nature of gross insubordination,” he said.