The world of luggage

Don't mess with the judge's bags ... PNG airport search goes wrong ... Restraining order on airport security man who wanted to check senior judge's "cargo" ... Rule of law in action

There's been no response from the relevant spokesmouth for the Papua New Guinea judiciary.

Justinian enquired about the extraordinary order that Justice Mark Sevua of the PNG National Court made at Lorengau on July 27.

The orders concern a hapless airport security man, James Lokes, who had the temerity to serarch His Hon's bags. 

Sevua ordered that Lokes file all relevant affidavits "stating your authority to arbitrarily search passengers cargoes at Momote Airport without a search warrant or court order".  

Further, until the case is finally determined Lokes was restrained from searching any more bags without a warrant, court order or consent of passengers.

On top of that he was to be relocated from Momote Airport to "another location of employment in Manus forthwith".

In the event that the orders were breached Lokes is to be arrested for contempt and punished.

See the orders here.

Justice Sevua has a fondness for splashing about orders for contempt.

In 2004 he was embroiled in a misconduct scandal after he wrote a threatening letter on court letter paper to a university attended by his wife.

The university had told Mrs Sevua that she may not be allowed to graduate from her course because she had not completed all of its requirements.

The Chief Ombudsman thought that the judge's explanations were inadequate, but the matter seemed to fizzle out.

Thank god the rule of law has spead its civilising influence far and wide.