The following is issued on behalf of the Judiciary:
 
     The Judiciary issued two Special Practice Notes today (November 12) setting out the handling approach of civil claims arising from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. They seek to ensure a fair and proportionate distribution of judicial resources without impairing the parties' right to access to court and a fair trial.
      
     Taking into account the extensive casualties and severe damage caused by the fire, the Judiciary anticipates that a large number of claims involving complex issues and substantial sums may soon be brought before the courts. Bearing in mind the time, costs and uncertainties involved in litigation, it is in the interests of the parties and the public that these claims be resolved initially by settlement through without prejudice negotiations, and failing which, by alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including mediation, with litigation as the last resort.
      
     The two Special Practice Notes direct parties to attempt resolving their disputes arising from the fire by ADR before and after commencement of proceedings, and put in place special expedited court procedures, with a view to settling the claims fairly, quickly and at reasonable cost. They include:
 

1. Special Practice Note - Civil Claims arising from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire (SPN 1/2026): covering all civil claims arising from the fire, with the exception of certain specified types of claims, to be handled by the High Court or the District Court; and
2. Special Practice Note - Employees' Compensation Claims and Civil Claims arising from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire (SPN 2/2026): covering employees' compensation claims and civil claims arising from the fire to be handled by the District Court and the Small Claims Tribunal or the Labour Tribunal respectively.

 
     The two Special Practice Notes have taken immediate effect. They are available on the Judiciary's website at legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/en/Practice_Notes.jsp.
      
     The Judiciary is not in a position to give legal advice to litigants or comment on the merits of individual cases. Members of the public should consult lawyers or the Legal Aid Department (www.lad.gov.hk/eng/las/las.html) for legal advice and assistance as appropriate on the conduct of litigations (including the application of the two Special Practice Notes) where necessary. There are also various free legal services in Hong Kong, including the Free Legal Advice Scheme operated by the Duty Lawyer Service at District Offices or Home Affairs Enquiry Centres of the Government. For details, please refer to its website at www.dutylawyer.org.hk.
      
     As regards mediation services, the Judiciary has launched a dedicated webpage (mediation.judiciary.hk/en/mediation_wfc.html) to provide one-stop information on mediation related to civil claims arising from the fire. Members of the public may refer to the webpage for relevant information, including practical information on mediation, mediation services in the community, and contact information of the Judiciary's Integrated Mediation Offices. 

Ends/Thursday, November 12, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:26

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