Parlt to decide on retirement age for judges

National, Normal
Source:

The National,Friday 09th December 2011

By JEFFREY ELAPA
THE bill on the amendments to the Organic Law to extend the retirement age of judges to 72 will be certified as soon as parliament receives the Bill from the legislative counsel, Attorney-General Dr Allan Marat said.
He said parliament had passed an amendment to the Organic Law in March extending the retirement age of judges from 60 to 72.
But they have the option of voluntarily extending their contracts for three more years after reaching 72.
He said changes to the organic law had not been certified and, therefore, it had not been in operation.
Speaker Jefferey Nape also informed parliament that the bill was still with the legislative counsel and would be certified when given to parliament.
Marat was responding to questions regarding the retirement age of judges and the need for more judges in the National and Supreme Court by East New
Britain Governor Leo Dion.
Recently four more judges were appointed to the Supreme and National Courts bring to 29 the number on the bench – five of whom are acting judges.
However, he said as the need arose, the number of judges would be increased to bring the total to 40.
So far the national court has established permanent judges in Mendi and Kundiawa.