The closure of Australia's immigration detention centre on Papua New Guinea's Manus Island could be delayed by court action.
Lawyers plan to seek orders that may result in food and water services being maintained at the centre beyond its slated closure date of October the 31st.
600 refugees and asylum seekers detained at the centre are refusing to move to the island's Lorengau town for fear of further attacks by locals.
The PNG government says it will not use force to move the detainees but the Australian government says food and water services will be withdrawn on Tuesday.
The detainees' lawyer, Ben Lomai, told Robinson Drawbridge the PNG supreme court will be asked to intervene.
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An image from the the 61st day of protest in the Manus Island detention centre. Photo: supplied