More judges will be based at the Lae National Court to cater for the increase in the criminal case workload that is in the province.
Chief Justice Sir Salamo Injia made this known after the swearing in ceremony of one judge and four acting judges at the Government house today.
With the new judges sworn in, he said the judiciary is confident it will comfortably address the backlog of cases and hopes to dispose Election Petition cases by June next year.
Among those sworn in today was the former Public Solicitor and a committal court magistrate.
Former Public Solicitor and now Justice Jim Wala Tamate will remain at Waigani. He will assist Justice David Cannings in the Human Rights track.
Acting judges John Kamane Kumapo and John Richie Benaud Kaumi will be posted to Lae, bringing the total to four judges for the province. One of the judges will preside over remandees cases at the Buimo jail.
Acting Judge, Sinclair Peniel Gora, will be posted to Wewak to assist Justice, Iova Geita, while Justice, Nicholas Kirriwom, goes for study leave.
Acting Judge David Abiri Susame will be posted to Kokopo.
The Judiciary currently has 43 judges. The 44th judge will be sworn in in the New Year.