What Changed
- Issuance of SPN 1/2026 covering civil claims in the High Court and District Court.
- Issuance of SPN 2/2026 covering employees' compensation and civil claims in the District Court, Small Claims Tribunal, and Labour Tribunal.
- Implementation of expedited court procedures and launch of a dedicated judicial webpage for fire-related mediation resources.
The Judiciary of Hong Kong SAR has issued two Special Practice Notes setting out a dedicated handling approach for civil claims arising from the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. The measures took immediate effect on November 12, 2026.
**Background and Purpose**
Taking into account the extensive casualties and severe damage caused by the fire, the Judiciary anticipates that a large number of claims involving complex legal issues and substantial financial sums may soon be brought before the courts. To ensure a fair and proportionate distribution of judicial resources without impairing parties' rights to court access and a fair trial, the directives emphasize resolving claims initially through without-prejudice negotiations and alternative dispute resolution (ADR), including mediation, with litigation treated as a last resort.
**Scope of the Special Practice Notes**
The Judiciary issued two specific practice notes to streamline proceedings:
- **SPN 1/2026 (Special Practice Note - Civil Claims arising from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire):** Covers all civil claims arising from the fire—with the exception of certain specified claim types—handled by the High Court or the District Court.
- **SPN 2/2026 (Special Practice Note - Employees' Compensation Claims and Civil Claims arising from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court Fire):** Covers employees' compensation claims and civil claims arising from the fire handled by the District Court, the Small Claims Tribunal, or the Labour Tribunal.
**Procedural Directives and Support Services**
The Special Practice Notes direct parties to attempt ADR both before and after the commencement of court proceedings, alongside introducing special expedited court procedures designed to settle claims fairly, quickly, and at reasonable cost.
To assist affected parties, the Judiciary has launched a dedicated webpage providing practical mediation information, community mediation options, and contact details for the Judiciary's Integrated Mediation Offices. The Judiciary noted that it cannot offer legal advice or comment on individual case merits, recommending that litigants consult legal practitioners, the Legal Aid Department, or free legal advice services such as the Duty Lawyer Service.
Who May Be Affected
Litigants, legal professionals, employers, employees, and entities involved in civil or employees' compensation claims arising from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Relevant for foreign insurers, law firms, and commercial entities operating in or managing risk exposure in Hong Kong SAR.
What to check next
- Review the text of SPN 1/2026 and SPN 2/2026 on the Judiciary Practice Notes repository (legalref.judiciary.hk/lrs/common/en/Practice_Notes.jsp).
- Access the Judiciary dedicated mediation webpage (mediation.judiciary.hk/en/mediation_wfc.html) for procedural details.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.