Independent Judiciary vital for Environmental Law: Chief Justice Salika

An independent judiciary is paramount for the effective enforcement of environmental law, according to Papua New Guinea's Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Gibuma Salika. He stated that without this crucial independence, the protection of the environment becomes vulnerable.

Sir Gibbs warned that environmental safeguards could easily succumb to political interference, the sway of economic interests, and arbitrary decision-making if courts are not free from external pressures. This highlights the delicate balance required to maintain environmental integrity against competing forces.

The Chief Justice's remarks underscore the vital link between judicial autonomy and environmental stewardship. Upholding the environmental rule of law, he suggests, necessitates courts that can operate impartially, free from undue influence, to ensure consistent and fair application of environmental regulations.

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without independent courts, environmental protection is vulnerable to political pressure, economic influence and arbitrary decisions.