Published on: 12 March 2026
Published by a LexisNexis Arbitration expert
The decision sends a strong signal that, for Hong Kong-seated arbitrations, the Article 34 time bars are applied with rigour. Chan J confirmed that section 81 AO (which gives effect to Article 34 of the Model Law) is the exclusive mechanism to set aside an award made in a Hong Kong seat, and that the three-month window is inflexible. The judge also declined to recognise any fraud or bribery exception, observing that any remedy for perceived unfairness lies with the legislature. Parties therefore cannot sidestep section 81 AO through inventive pleadings. Examining the essence of the 25187 Arbitration claims (seeking declarations that awards were tainted, orders to set them aside, and measures to undo enforcement), Her Ladyship treated them as impermissible attempts at recourse against extant awards. The ruling further demonstrates Hong Kong’s readiness to use AAIs (under section 21L High Court Ordinance (Cap. 4)) to safeguard its supervisory role and to block vexatious collateral assaults on final awards. Practitioners should counsel clients that any attack on an award must be launched within the strict three-month limit...
When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...
This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...
Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...
I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...