Government is expected to appeal if today's court decision on reclamation sides with protesters
The government may have to appeal if a court rules today that the Executive Council does not have the ultimate power over urban planning.
A senior government official said the outcome of the Court of First Instance's judicial review would have far reaching implications on the city's governance.
The Society for the Protection of the Harbour launched the appeal to halt the controversial Central reclamation project.
The official said an unfavourable ruling against the government could mean some of Exco's powers would be stripped away. 'If this is the case, then the Department of Justice will have to assess the impact of the ruling,' the source said.
The official warned it could affect future interpretations of other ordinances that rest on Exco making the final decision.
In the judicial review of the 18-hectare Central Reclamation Phase III plan, the society has argued that Exco should re-submit the plan to the Town Planning Board.