By Annette Kora – EMTV News, Port Moresby
With the ever increasing number of cases yet to be heard in courts throughout the country, the limited number of judges presiding over these cases is a matter of concern. Speaking after the swearing of the reappointment for two judges yesterday, Acting Chief Justice, Ambeng Kandakasi, said there is a need for more judges in courtrooms now more than ever.
The Acting Chief Justice says the judiciary is in great need of judges as there are too many cases, and not enough judges. He said the reappointment of the two judges yesterday helps in the need for more judges to carry the current load.
Unlike any other jurisdiction in the world, Papua New Guinea judges sit on a number of jurisdictions; that is the Supreme Court, National Court, the service court of appeals from the District Courts and leadership tribunals.
He said the aim under the new administration is to see if the judiciary can reduce the long waiting period, and in order to reduce this waiting period, more judges are needed. So far, 37 judges were substantive and four were acting and the ceiling is about 40.
Judiciary will be proposing to the Government to increase the number soon.
