IBS gets interim orders against Fr Jan

Continuing and new students of the Institute of Business Studies can register for the 2018 academic year pending the final determination of a case the institution filed in court.

IBS took the issue of its university status to the Waigani National Court today, seeking interim orders against Fr Jan Czuba as the secretary, the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (DHERST) and the state.

Justice Derek Hartshon late this afternoon granted the interim orders, restraining Fr Jan from taking further administration steps under the Higher Education (General Provisions) Act 2014 to cause any further delay in IBS registration as a university.

He has also been ordered to cooperate with the IBS administration to ensure there is a smooth start of the 2018 academic year.

Pending the inter-parte hearing of the notice of motion, the court ordered Fr Jan, as the Secretary, to register IBS as a university to prevent further delays in the enrolment of students wishing to study at the institution in 2018.

The court however, refused to grant orders sought by IBS to restrain Fr Jan from making media statements against the status of the institution. 

Justice Hartshorn said it is not for the court to interfere with a person’s freedom of speech.

The interim orders will return to court on January 12 for inter-parte hearing as to whether the interim relief and orders issued should continue.

Arguments regarding the status of the institution will be heard in court when the matter returns then.

Author: 
Sally Pokiton
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