Hong Kong Regulations

EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION (RULES OF COURT) RULES - RULE 17

Procedure after lodging application

(1) As soon as an application, together with the accompanying particulars and
statements required by rule 16, has been lodged, the registrar of the court
shall cause a copy thereof to be served upon the respondent together with a
notice in Form 4 in the Schedule informing the respondent that he must lodge
with the registrar of the court such an answer as set out in paragraph (2)
within the period therein stated, and that in default of his complying with
that paragraph or of his appearing at a time and place fixed in the notice,
such order may be made as the court deems just and expedient. Save with the
written consent of the respondent communicated to the registrar of the court,
not less than 1 month shall elapse between the date of the service of the
notice upon the respondent and the date fixed for hearing the application.

(2) If the respondent intends to oppose an application he shall, within 21
days after service of the notice, or within such extended period as the court
may upon special request allow, lodge with the registrar a written answer in
Form 5 in the Schedule containing a concise statement of the extent and
grounds of his opposition.

(3) The court may, at any time before the determination of the question in
dispute and upon such terms as to adjournment or as to costs as may be deemed
just, allow an application, or any particulars or statement accompanying the
same, or any answer thereto, to be amended. Any such amendment shall be lodged
with the registrar of the court who shall forthwith cause it to be served upon
the opposite party.