Hong Kong pair to launch judicial review applications over controversial joint checkpoint plan for high-speed rail

But activists’ court bid will only lead to Beijing interpreting Basic Law, Bar Association chief says

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Social worker Hendick Lui Chi-hang (left) and former civil servant Kwok Cheuk-kin will soon file their judicial review applications. Photo: David Wong

Published: 8:01am, 16 Jun 2018Updated: 8:56am, 16 Jun 2018

The controversial plan to set up a joint border checkpoint with mainland China in the heart of Hong Kong will face a fresh round of legal challenges with at least two activists planning to file a judicial review against its constitutionality, the Post has learned.

But a top legal expert warned on Friday the move could end up as another instance of Beijing interpreting the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution – an undesirable development that he said should be avoided.

Former civil servant Kwok Cheuk-kin and social worker Hendrick Lui Chi-hang told the Post they would relaunch the judicial review against the so-called co-location arrangement, after their first bids were ruled “premature” by the High Court last September when the local legislative processes were not completed.

The Legislative Council on Thursday passed the relevant law on the arrangement for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

Hong Kong’s chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor visits the rail construction site. Photo: Facebook

The local legislation was triggered after the Chinese legislature, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, last December approved the arrangement, which will see officers from across the border enforcing national laws in the mainland port area of the West Kowloon rail terminus.