2023 Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea Decisions

January 2023

• Woolcott v Nivani Ltd [2023] PGSC 1; SC2335 (4 January 2023)
• Special Reference by the Honourable Davis Steven [2023] PGSC 2; SC2344 (16 January 2023)
• Pundari v Yakos [2023] PGSC 3; SC2345 (24 January 2023)

February 2023

• Goi v Bank South Pacific Ltd [2023] PGSC 6; SC2349 (6 February 2023)
• Lukom Trading Ltd v Yuku [2023] PGSC 4; SC2350 (8 February 2023)
• Taku v Manning [2023] PGSC 45; SC2390 (10 February 2023)
• Yoto v Sampson [2023] PGSC 5; SC2351 (13 February 2023)
• Application by Jurgen Ruh [2023] PGSC 10; SC2352 (14 February 2023)
• Yanduo v State [2023] PGSC 11; SC2354 (21 February 2023)
• State v Kikala [2023] PGSC 15; SC2355 (22 February 2023)
• Dolo v State [2023] PGSC 163; SC2513 (22 February 2023)
• Redcoco Properties Ltd v Gimiseve [2023] PGSC 7; SC2358 (23 February 2023)
• Kalinoe v Putupen [2023] PGSC 12; SC2356 (23 February 2023)
• Green International Ltd v Commissioner General of Internal Revenue [2023] PGSC 13; SC2357 (23 February 2023)
• Independent State of Papua New Guinea v Betanjo [2023] PGSC 32; SC2378 (23 February 2023)
• Kaiwi v State [2023] PGSC 14; SC2359 (27 February 2023)
• Agiru v Makiba [2023] PGSC 18; SC2366 (27 February 2023)
• Kiponge v Schnaubelt [2023] PGSC 8; SC2360 (28 February 2023)
• Green Wood (PNG) Ltd v Pulie Anu Timber Co Ltd [2023] PGSC 9; SC2361 (28 February 2023)

March 2023

• Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea v Kaku [2023] PGSC 31; SC2388 (5 March 2023)
• Yai-Pupu v Yai-Pupu [2023] PGSC 16; SC2364 (16 March 2023)
• Cloudy Bay Sustainable Forestry Ltd v Pako F & C Holding (PNG) Ltd [2023] PGSC 41; SC2396 (17 March 2023)
• National Capital District Water & Sewerage Ltd (trading as Eda Ranu) v Yambaran Pausa Saka Ben Ltd [2023] PGSC 17; SC2365 (23 March 2023)
• Wera v State [2023] PGSC 19; SC2367 (29 March 2023)
• Gamu v State [2023] PGSC 37; SC2368 (29 March 2023)
• Kariko v Ngangan [2023] PGSC 76; SC2422 (30 March 2023)
• Tolo v State [2023] PGSC 20; SC2371 (31 March 2023)
• Poka v Independent State of Papua New Guinea [2023] PGSC 21; SC2372 (31 March 2023)
• Inspac (PNG) Ltd v Monier Ltd [2023] PGSC 22; SC2375 (31 March 2023)

April 2023

• Hewabi v Simaka [2023] PGSC 23; SC2373 (6 April 2023)
• Independent State of Papua New Guinea v Pinch [2023] PGSC 24; SC2374 (13 April 2023)
• Tukupa Walo Incorporated Land Group (No. 16078) v Exxonmobil PNG Ltd [2023] PGSC 46; SC2392 (13 April 2023)
• Rawali v Kob [2023] PGSC 77; SC2423 (14 April 2023)
• Kaki v Kelly [2023] PGSC 47; SC2391 (17 April 2023)
• Independent State of Papua New Guinea v Saonu [2023] PGSC 177; SC2568 (17 April 2023)
• Basa v Quoreka [2023] PGSC 33; SC2376 (19 April 2023)
• Kariko v Ngangan [2023] PGSC 34; SC2379 (20 April 2023)
• Kromnong v Donald [2023] PGSC 48; SC2393 (20 April 2023)
• Kowa v Namah [2023] PGSC 35; SC2382 (21 April 2023)
• Serowa v Dowa [2023] PGSC 38; SC2381 (21 April 2023)
• Kundalin v Ipo [2023] PGSC 30; SC2377 (24 April 2023)
• Tongayu v State [2023] PGSC 39; SC2380 (26 April 2023)
• Redcoco Properties Ltd v Gimiseve [2023] PGSC 25; SC2383 (28 April 2023)
• Kaluwin v Haiveta [2023] PGSC 26; SC2384 (28 April 2023)
• Pariwa v Yama [2023] PGSC 27; SC2385 (28 April 2023)
• Kimbu v Pakira [2023] PGSC 28; SC2387 (28 April 2023)
• H.Q.H Enterprises Ltd v Wangbao Trading Ltd [2023] PGSC 69; SC2419 (28 April 2023)
• Puruno v Karaie [2023] PGSC 175; SC2530 (28 April 2023)
• Wartovo v Narawec [2023] PGSC 29; SC2386 (29 April 2023)
• Kaia v State [2023] PGSC 40; SC2369 (29 April 2023)

May 2023

• Fayana v Waipo [2023] PGSC 36; SC2389 (9 May 2023)
• Basa v Quoreka [2023] PGSC 49; SC2394 (12 May 2023)
• Chin-Sik Son v Roniotis [2023] PGSC 42; SC2397 (15 May 2023)
• Simon v Kapris [2023] PGSC 50; SC2395 (15 May 2023)
• Tembil v Pokanis [2023] PGSC 43; SC2398 (19 May 2023)
• Wereh v Wamuk [2023] PGSC 78; SC2424 (19 May 2023)
• Ane v Salt Real Estate Ltd [2023] PGSC 59; SC2410 (24 May 2023)
• Amuli v Gore [2023] PGSC 53; SC2399 (25 May 2023)
• Application by the Honourable Peter O'Neill, MP [2023] PGSC 60; SC2400 (26 May 2023)
• Electoral Commission v Pruaitch [2023] PGSC 61; SC2415 (30 May 2023)
• Maiani v State [2023] PGSC 62; SC2404 (31 May 2023)

June 2023

• Kilanda v Enga Provincial Government [2023] PGSC 54; SC2405 (2 June 2023)
• Kilip v State [2023] PGSC 58; SC2403 (2 June 2023)
• Eu v Rosso [2023] PGSC 63; SC2401 (2 June 2023)
• Fuawe v Warren [2023] PGSC 65; SC2402 (2 June 2023)
• Sanangke v Cholai [2023] PGSC 44; SC2406 (6 June 2023)
• Kennedy v Cheah [2023] PGSC 129; SC2479 (6 June 2023)
• Nomane v Mori [2023] PGSC 64; SC2414 (19 June 2023)
• Simitab v Isifu [2023] PGSC 172; SC2524 (19 June 2023)
• Gonjuan v Bank of South Pacific Ltd [2023] PGSC 55; SC2407 (21 June 2023)
• Sione v National Executive Council [2023] PGSC 56; SC2408 (21 June 2023)
• Guina v State [2023] PGSC 57; SC2409 (23 June 2023)
• Petroleum Resources Moran v Moran Oil Ltd [2023] PGSC 66; SC2417 (23 June 2023)
• H.R. Holdings Ltd v Taka [2023] PGSC 51; SC2411 (28 June 2023)
• Nomane v Mori [2023] PGSC 52; SC2412 (30 June 2023)
• Ondalane v Ekepa [2023] PGSC 67; SC2413 (30 June 2023)
• Kariko v Ngangan [2023] PGSC 70; SC2420 (30 June 2023)

July 2023

• Paldir Community Services Development Ltd v Petkol Trading Ltd [2023] PGSC 73; SC2425 (4 July 2023)
• Electoral Commission v Pruaitch [2023] PGSC 68; SC2416 (5 July 2023)
• Electoral Commission of Papua New Guinea v Marat [2023] PGSC 130; SC2486 (6 July 2023)
• South Seas Tuna Corporation Ltd v Koim [2023] PGSC 72; SC2418 (7 July 2023)
• Nanuk v State [2023] PGSC 74; SC2426 (7 July 2023)
• Cragnolini v Constantinou [2023] PGSC 71; SC2421 (13 July 2023)
• Kunol v Kupul [2023] PGSC 116; SC2471 (13 July 2023)
• Kowa v Namah [2023] PGSC 102; SC2446 (14 July 2023)
• Ipatas v Aigilo [2023] PGSC 103; SC2447 (17 July 2023)
• Wararu v Maru [2023] PGSC 75; SC2427 (19 July 2023)
• Kagua-Erave District Development Authority v Sugu Cigars Builders Ltd [2023] PGSC 79; SC2429 (25 July 2023)
• Global Customs & Forwarding Ltd v Samson [2023] PGSC 80; SC2428 (28 July 2023)
• Nomane v Mori [2023] PGSC 81; SC2430 (28 July 2023)
• Nenekan v State [2023] PGSC 154; SC2514 (28 July 2023)

August 2023

• Chief Executive Officer, Telikom PNG Ltd v Minji [2023] PGSC 83; SC2437 (1 August 2023)
• National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Papua New Guinea Incorporated v Rosso [2023] PGSC 91; SC2431 (2 August 2023)
• Vitolo v Mararea Land Group Incorporated [2023] PGSC 92; SC2432 (9 August 2023)
• Turaha v Pok [2023] PGSC 93; SC2433 (11 August 2023)
• Sasingian v Air Niugini Ltd (trading as Air Niugini) [2023] PGSC 94; SC2434 (11 August 2023)
• Kiap v Kasper [2023] PGSC 95; SC2435 (11 August 2023)
• ISAS Ltd v Nutley [2023] PGSC 84; SC2443 (12 August 2023)
• China Harbour Engineering Company (PNG) Ltd v Morua [2023] PGSC 82; SC2436 (14 August 2023)
• Paraka v State [2023] PGSC 85; SC2439 (16 August 2023)
• Potape v Undialu [2023] PGSC 86; SC2440 (16 August 2023)
• Mul v Ondokoi [2023] PGSC 87; SC2441 (16 August 2023)
• Vitolo v Mararea Land Group Incorporated [2023] PGSC 88; SC2438 (17 August 2023)
• Kowa v Namah [2023] PGSC 89; SC2444 (18 August 2023)
• Akiko v Ekepa [2023] PGSC 90; SC2442 (21 August 2023)
• Edwards v Edwards [2023] PGSC 96; SC2445 (24 August 2023)
• Application by the Honourable Peter O'Neill, MP [2023] PGSC 131; SC2481 (24 August 2023)
• Mulia (PNG) Ltd (1-39641) v Sheppard [2023] PGSC 152; SC2504 (24 August 2023)
• Fayana v Waipo [2023] PGSC 97; SC2448 (29 August 2023)
• Somare v Nen [2023] PGSC 104; SC2449 (29 August 2023)
• First Investment Finance Ltd v Tambua [2023] PGSC 105; SC2450 (30 August 2023)
• National Executive Council v Toropo [2023] PGSC 106; SC2451 (30 August 2023)
• Kakivi v The Independent State of Papua New Guinea [2023] PGSC 176; SC2539 (30 August 2023)

September 2023

• Kurivo v Air Niugini Ltd [2023] PGSC 98; SC2452 (1 September 2023)
• Kala v Temu [2023] PGSC 99; SC2453 (1 September 2023)
• Japele v State [2023] PGSC 100; SC2454 (1 September 2023)
• Application to Enforce Constitutional Rights by Paul Paraka [2023] PGSC 101; SC2455 (1 September 2023)
• Roth v The Independent State of Papua New Guinea [2023] PGSC 178; SC2574 (1 September 2023)
• Taul v State [2023] PGSC 109; SC2456 (5 September 2023)
• Hetinu v State [2023] PGSC 110; SC2457 (5 September 2023)
• Hewabi v Simaka [2023] PGSC 111; SC2458 (6 September 2023)
• Pato v Kaeok [2023] PGSC 117; SC2472 (6 September 2023)
• Raminai v Pano [2023] PGSC 118; SC2473 (11 September 2023)
• Nupiri v Powi [2023] PGSC 107; SC2459 (18 September 2023)
• Maniha v Sia [2023] PGSC 108; SC2460 (18 September 2023)
• Kiso v Stucky [2023] PGSC 113; SC2461 (22 September 2023)
• Thomas v Bando [2023] PGSC 114; SC2462 (26 September 2023)
• Akipe v Lenturut [2023] PGSC 115; SC2463 (26 September 2023)
• Pagen v Ilarupa [2023] PGSC 167; SC2527 (26 September 2023)
• Cragnolini v Leia [2023] PGSC 112; SC2464 (28 September 2023)
• Gene v Wereh [2023] PGSC 127; SC2476 (28 September 2023)
• Christian Life Centre v Kepoli [2023] PGSC 119; SC2465 (29 September 2023)
• Fugo Transport Ltd v Carpenter Automotive & Transport (trading as Boroko Motors) [2023] PGSC 120; SC2467 (29 September 2023)

October 2023

• BSP Financial Group Ltd v Tupou [2023] PGSC 121; SC2469 (2 October 2023)
• Basa v Quoreka [2023] PGSC 124; SC2468 (2 October 2023)
• Pariwa v Yama [2023] PGSC 132; SC2488 (2 October 2023)
• Pariwa v Singirok [2023] PGSC 133; SC2489 (2 October 2023)
• Seeto Kui (Holdings) Ltd (trading as Mainland Plumbing & Hardware) v Horn [2023] PGSC 122; SC2466 (3 October 2023)
• Thomas v Bando [2023] PGSC 123; SC2470 (4 October 2023)
• Tomerop v Raminai [2023] PGSC 155; SC2507 (5 October 2023)
• Ibo v Hagahuno [2023] PGSC 156; SC2508 (17 October 2023)
• Genia v Popoitai [2023] PGSC 125; SC2475 (18 October 2023)
• Paraka v Independent State of Papua New Guinea [2023] PGSC 126; SC2478 (19 October 2023)
• Isoaimo v Aihi [2023] PGSC 128; SC2477 (23 October 2023)
• Dads Investment Corporation Ltd v Samson [2023] PGSC 134; SC2485 (25 October 2023)
• Trappe v Maki [2023] PGSC 135; SC2480 (26 October 2023)
• Hegele v Manau [2023] PGSC 153; SC2505 (27 October 2023)
• Special Reference by Leslie Mamu as the Public Solicitor of Papua New Guinea [2023] PGSC 139; SC2483 (30 October 2023)

November 2023

• Wereh v Wamuk [2023] PGSC 136; SC2487 (1 November 2023)
• Rumet v Marat [2023] PGSC 140; SC2484 (1 November 2023)
• Nange v Telikom (PNG) Ltd [2023] PGSC 137; SC2490 (3 November 2023)
• Basa v Quoreka [2023] PGSC 138; SC2491 (3 November 2023)
• Geru Holdings Ltd v Kruse [2023] PGSC 141; SC2492 (3 November 2023)
• Tumbiako v Kaiyo [2023] PGSC 142; SC2493 (3 November 2023)
• Genamo v State [2023] PGSC 143; SC2494 (3 November 2023)
• Numu v Sia [2023] PGSC 157; SC2509 (3 November 2023)
• Tati v Kapavore [2023] PGSC 158; SC2510 (7 November 2023)
• Agisa v Subam [2023] PGSC 159; SC2511 (8 November 2023)
• Tom v Kenai [2023] PGSC 144; SC2495 (15 November 2023)
• Yawing v Joku [2023] PGSC 168; SC2526 (22 November 2023)
• Amuli v Gore [2023] PGSC 145; SC2496 (24 November 2023)
• Torrens Mining (PNG) Ltd v Tuke [2023] PGSC 146; SC2497 (28 November 2023)
• Jay LW Contractors Ltd v Covec (PNG) Ltd [2023] PGSC 147; SC2498 (28 November 2023)
• Mesulam v Joku [2023] PGSC 148; SC2499 (29 November 2023)
• Mokono v Tkatchenko [2023] PGSC 149; SC2500 (30 November 2023)
• Giwi v Popuna [2023] PGSC 150; SC2501 (30 November 2023)
• Haro v State [2023] PGSC 151; SC2502 (30 November 2023)
• Foe Association Inc v Manau [2023] PGSC 173; SC2520 (30 November 2023)

December 2023

• Application by Hon Peter O'Neill MP [2023] PGSC 160; SC2506 (6 December 2023)
• Ivaninga v State [2023] PGSC 164; SC2512 (11 December 2023)
• Kilanda v Enga Provincial Government (No. 2) [2023] PGSC 165; SC2515 (15 December 2023)
• Global Customs & Forwarding Ltd v Samson [2023] PGSC 174; SC2523 (15 December 2023)
• Dola v Alua [2023] PGSC 169; SC2521 (18 December 2023)
• Motor Vehicles Insurance Ltd v Ken [2023] PGSC 170; SC2522 (18 December 2023)
• Nane v State [2023] PGSC 161; SC2516 (19 December 2023)
• Saa v State [2023] PGSC 162; SC2518 (19 December 2023)
• Yumi Yet Shop Ltd v Tkatchenko [2023] PGSC 166; SC2517 (19 December 2023)
• Ondalane v Ekepa [2023] PGSC 171; SC2519 (29 December 2023)