LIU JUN v. CHINA WELL PROPERTIES LTD

DCCJ 2759/2011

IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

CIVIL ACTION NO. 2759 OF 2011

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DECISION

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Introduction

1.  On 23 October 2015, I delivered judgment of the court whereby, inter alia, the third party’s claim against the defendant was dismissed.

2.  By a summons taken out by the third party on 20 November 2015 (“the 1^st summons”), the third party sought leave to appeal against the said decision.

3.  On 12 January 2016, the third party took out another summons (“the 2^nd summons”) seeking leave to withdraw the 1^st summons and that the costs of the 1^st summons be to the plaintiff and the defendant, to be taxed if not agreed.

2^nd summons

4.  In view of the changed intention of the third party, there is no need to deal with the 1^st summons. 

5.  There is no objection from the defendant regarding the withdrawal of the 1^st summons.

6.  Accordingly, I give leave to the third party to withdraw the 1^st summons.

Costs

7.  On the question of costs of the 1^st summons, the parties have not been able to agree on the quantum of costs which necessitated a hearing.

8.  This year sees the 7^th anniversary of the Civil Justice Reform. Practitioners should all be well-versed with the underlying objectives under Order 1A rule 1 of the Rules of the High Court and the District Court. More often than not, they are required to adopt a common sense approach and consider if the end justifies the means.

9.  That being the case, I am surprised that this court is required to hold a hearing in order to resolve the costs issue arising out of the withdrawal of the 1^st summons. This is an affront to the spirit of the Civil Justice Reform.

10.  To reflect the court’s disapproval, I think there should be no order as to costs in respect of the 2^nd summons and today’s hearing.

11.  By summary assessment, I order that the third party do pay the defendant costs of the 1^st summons in the sum of HK$1,950.