The Waigani National Court yesterday issued interim injunctive orders restraining the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Natural Resources and Environment (UNRE) from carryout protests and boycotting classes.
The orders were issued by acting Judge, Justice Pauline Bree, following an application by the university through lawyer Darryl Kamen of Kamen Lawyers.
In an exparte (one party) hearing, Mr Kamen on behalf of UNRE moved the application and asked the court to grant restraining orders against former UNRE SRC president, Israel Yafai and members of the SRC from leading or forcing students to boycott classes pending the determination of the proceedings.
He submitted that the students, as per an affidavit by the University’s Vice Chancellor (VC), have boycotted classes since September 19 and classes have not resumed to date as students were forced by the SRC not to attend classes.
He submitted that for the good of this academic year, classes should resume and the entire student body should complete the academic year and not be intimidated and harassed by few former student leaders in the SRC.
Mr Kamen submitted that as per the SRC constitution, it provided for the SRC student leaders to provide to the school a 14 day written notice before conducting any protests. However, he submitted that the process was not complied with and the actions of the former student representatives were in breach of the constitution.
He therefore, submitted that pending the determination of the substantive hearing, the court should issue interim restraining orders to restrain Mr Yafai and other members of the SRC from leading or forcing students to boycotting classes.
Justice Bree after hearing the submission accepted the application and granted the orders sought by restraining the former SRC president Mr Yafai and members of the SRC from leading any further strikes or boycotting of classes.
The court also restrained the SRC from barricading, chaining and locking of classrooms and administration buildings as well as threatening and intimidating staff and students on campus.
The judge adjourned the matter to a later date for the substantive hearing.
Well it is a fair decision to teach the students on how to conduct themselves in any boycott and strike.
Students should think and act like intellect and not criminals 🙏
Thankyou Justice Pauline🙏