By Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Supreme Court has cited contempt of court charges against five of the six parties involved in the legal battle over the Eastern Highlands Provincial Administrator’s (PA) position.
The decision handed down by Chief Justice, Sir Salamo Injia, follows the recent appointment of the acting PA, Alvin Inamoi, by the Provincial Executive Council on April 1.
This means the five parties will be served charges once the court registrar completes court files.
The decision was announced at 3pm yesterday after the Supreme Court heard a contempt proceeding.
The matter was adjourned for 15 minutes to allow lawyers representing the five parties to tell the Chief Justice why they should not be charged for contempt of court.
These parties include Eastern Highlands Governor, Julie Soso, Public Service Minister, Sir Puka Temu, and Personnel Management Department Secretary, John Kali.
Sir Salamo explained that a stay order was granted in December 2015, which prevented the appointment of an acting PA and allowed Solomon Tato to remain in office.
But because Inamoi was appointed PA on the first of this month it breaches the stay order, thus becoming contempt of court.
The court registrar was given two weeks to complete and serve the charges against the five.
They were also directed to appear in court on May 2 for the determination of the charges.
This means that Solomon Tato will continue to act as Provincial Administrator until further notice from the courts.
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