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The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
The District Court Equal Opportunities (Amendment) Rules 2014 (the Amendment Rules) were published in the Gazette today (June 6) and will be tabled in the Legislative Council for negative vetting on June 11.
The Amendment Rules seek to streamline the adjudication of Equal Opportunities (EO) claims in the District Court. A spokesman for the Judiciary said that the proposed simplified procedures would provide more flexibility for parties to EO proceedings. The procedures will also be less technical and parties will find them easier to follow.
"We hope that this will help expedite the adjudication of EO claims, resulting in savings of time and cost for the parties concerned," the spokesman added.
The Judiciary has consulted various stakeholders on the Amendment Rules. They include the Equal Opportunities Commission, the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong.
"They are generally supportive of the proposed legislative amendments," the spokesman said.
One of the key proposed amendments is to replace technical pleadings with more informal claim and response forms. The Judiciary is also preparing a new practice direction to provide for the details of the relevant court process under the streamlined procedures for EO claims. The Judiciary has consulted the relevant stakeholders on the draft practice direction.
The target commencement date for the Amendment Rules and the new practice direction is November 1.
Ends/Friday, June 6, 2014
Issued at HKT 12:00
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