Our firm attended the Pre-Trial Review hearing today for Mr. Leung Chun-ying, the Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in a defamation action against Best Pencil (Hong Kong) Limited operating as Stand News (the “Stand News”) in High Court Action No. 1993/2018 (the “Action”).

In the said hearing, The Honourable Madam Justice Au-Yeung took note of the factual circumstances including :-

(1) the matter with the 1st Defendant, Mr. Chung Kim-wah, in the Action has been settled;
(2) Stand News ceased to operate on 29 December 2021;
(3) There has been no operation in Stand News’ registered office(s);
(4) Stand News has no legal representatives or director authorized to represent it on record in the Action;
(5) Stand News has not attended any hearing since July 2022
(6) Directors of Stand News were either resigned or wanted;
(7) The articles in question have already been withdrawn and are not in public circulation.

As such, Her Ladyship considered that it would be appropriate and sensible to have the Action permanently stayed with no Order as to costs, and made such orders accordingly. The 15-day trial for the Action originally scheduled to commence on 7 August 2023 has been vacated.

This case is led by our Senior Partner Mr. Peter Sit, our litigation partner Mr. Alex Chan, and assisted by our Associate, Mr. Alan So.