Hong Kong serial litigant declared bankrupt but vows to keep taking government to court
- Kwok Cheuk-kin failed to pay more than HK$1.5 million he racked up in legal fees
- He claims to have filed about 60 judicial review applications since 2006
A serial litigant known for taking the Hong Kong government to court has been declared bankrupt over his failure to repay more than HK$1.5 million (US$193,500) in legal costs but he remained defiant.
Master Hui Ka-ho on Wednesday made the bankruptcy order against Kwok Cheuk-kin, dubbed the “king of judicial reviews” for his frequent challenges, after the former civil servant did not show up and contest the case heard in the High Court.
The secretary for justice had petitioned for Kwok's bankruptcy on May 6, over outstanding costs in excess of HK$1.56 million – plus interests – that accumulated from his multiple legal actions against the government and other public officers.
But Kwok said he had expected the outcome and would not be deterred from mounting further challenges in favour of the public interest. “It’s my right guaranteed under the Basic Law,” he said, referring to the city’s mini-constitution. “It has nothing to do with my bankruptcy.”
Article 35 gives residents the right to sue against “the acts of the executive authorities and their personnel”.
Kwok had earlier announced he would not attend any of the bankruptcy proceedings, as he had no intention of repaying the government.