WAIGANI NATIONAL COURT RECORDS HIGH PENDING CASES THAN OTHER CENTERS

BY Benjamin KOITAKA

THE National Court in Waigani holds a high record of 7638 backlog pending matters/cases, compared to outside centres.
These includes 6182 civil cases/matters and 1456 criminal cases/matters.

This was confirmed by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika, when delivering his keynote speech during the 2025 Legal Year opening in Port Moresby.

Chief Justice said Waigani holds a record of more pending cases than any other outside canters and he wanted these matters to be fast-tracked this year to clear the backlog.

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs challenged the Lawyers and Judges to fast track these matters, as justice delayed is justice denied.
Meantime, over 25 000 fresh cases are also pending and piling up at the National Court, which are yet to be heard and deliver outcome.

Chief Justice Sir Gibbs said there are 25 399 cases still pending and sitting before the National Court, which are fresh as well as reserved cases, yet to be heard and deliver the judgements.

Chief Justice commended the judges at the Supreme Court for preforming well, reducing the backlogs and doing well at the moment.