A judge in Papua New Guinea has launched a human rights inquiry into a shocking report of police brutality against more than 70 men on the outskirts of Port Moresby.

Just over a week ago, 74 men from the 6-Mile settlement were walking home after being involved in a fight that had been broken up by police.

On the way they were stopped by another group of officers, who ordered them to lie on the ground and confiscated the large knives the men were carrying.

Then the police allegedly beat the men and used the knives to slash their ankles and arms.

After seeing reports of the brutality, National Court judge David Cannings took the unusual step of using his constitutional power to initiate a human rights inquiry.

He summonsed senior police to court yesterday and demanded to know what they are doing to investigate the incident.

They told him that two officers have been charged with unlawful wounding and more arrests are expected.

The public gallery was packed with friends and relatives of the victims, and Mr Cannings assured them justice will be done.