Key facts
- The Judiciary issued SPN 1/2026 for civil claims from the fire, handled by the High Court or District Court.
- SPN 2/2026 covers employees' compensation claims and civil claims at the District Court, Small Claims Tribunal or Labour Tribunal.
- The Judiciary said it anticipates a large number of claims involving complex issues and substantial sums.
- The notes direct parties to try without prejudice negotiations and mediation before and after proceedings begin.
- The Judiciary said it cannot give legal advice or comment on the merits of individual cases.
Hong Kong's Judiciary issued two Special Practice Notes on November 12, 2026, setting out how civil claims arising from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po will be handled. The notes seek a fair and proportionate distribution of judicial resources without impairing parties' right of access to court and a fair trial, the Judiciary said.
The Judiciary said it anticipates that a large number of claims involving complex issues and substantial sums may soon be brought before the courts, citing the extensive casualties and severe damage caused by the fire. It said resolving claims first through without prejudice negotiations, and failing that through alternative dispute resolution including mediation, serves the interests of the parties and the public, with litigation as a last resort.
SPN 1/2026 covers all civil claims arising from the fire, except certain specified types, to be handled by the High Court or the District Court. SPN 2/2026 covers employees' compensation claims and civil claims to be handled by the District Court and the Small Claims Tribunal or the Labour Tribunal respectively. Both took immediate effect and are published on the Judiciary's website.
The notes direct parties to attempt resolution through alternative dispute resolution before and after the commencement of proceedings, and put in place special expedited court procedures intended to settle claims fairly, quickly and at reasonable cost. The Judiciary said it is not in a position to give legal advice to litigants or comment on the merits of individual cases, and directed the public to lawyers or the Legal Aid Department. It also launched a dedicated webpage with information on mediation services for claims arising from the fire.