Ma Mui Chi Omei v. Ho Ka Fai

HCA 1363/2021

[2024] HKCFI 1714

IN THE HIGH COURT OF THE

HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION

COURT OF FIRST INSTANCE

ACTION NO 1363 OF 2021

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DECISION ON COSTS

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1.For reasons set out in my Decision handed down on 24 May 2024[1], I dismissed D’s Setting Aside Summons. I made a costs order nisi, since absolute, that D shall bear the costs of the Setting Aside Summons, with certificate for one counsel, to be summarily assessed.

2.P has for summary assessment lodged her Statement of Costs dated 3 June 2024.  On 6 June 2024, D filed his Notice to Act in Person.  No statement of objections has been filed.

3.By the Statement of Costs, P seeks costs in the total sum of HK$295,500.

4.I have considered the Statement of Costs.  The application is not complicated.  In respect of Professional Work, Item D2, which claims 14 hours of perusal of papers for HK$81,200, is excessive.  I allow only HK$40,600.  Brief of HK$132,000 is also too high.  I allow only HK$80,000. 

5.Adopting a broad-brush approach, I summarily assess the costs at HK$200,000.

6.I make no further costs order in respect of this exercise.

Statement of Costs by C P Cheung & Co, for the Plaintiff

The Defendant in person and made no submission