An Aboriginal activist is seeking permission from Australia's High Court to spear a senior policeman to death because the officer allegedly desecrated a sacred fire.

In a writ listed to go before the High Court on March 22, Aboriginal activist Darren Bloomfield accuses Detective Superintendent Brian Hepworth of desecrating a sacred fire last year.

Media reports say Mr Bloomfield claims in his writ that Mr Hepworth also tried to run him down in a police car.

As a punishment, Mr Bloomfield is seeking leave to spear the officer to death in accordance with Aboriginal law.

The alleged incident occurred on July 11 last year when police ordered Aborigines at the 'tent embassy' on the lawns of the Old Parliament House site in Canberra, to extinguish a fire.

"[He should be] tried under white law and then handed over to us under our law where he would be speared to death," Mr Bloomfield's statement of claim said.

"Acting on behalf of the Australian Commonwealth Government,
Superintendent Hepworth attempted to endanger [my] life by the use of a commonwealth vehicle.

"He also ordered the extinguishing of the fire and under Aboriginal law has incurred the death penalty."

The tent embassy, which has been in place on and off for 30 years, was first erected as part of a campaign to force federal authorities to recognise Aboriginal land rights.

Mr Hepworth was not available for comment, although a police spokeswoman says the allegations against him were being investigated.

She says Mr Hepworth is a highly respected member of the Australian Federal Police force with more than 30 years