LI HAO TIAN V. THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE

[2026] HKCA 16 Court of Appeal 8 January 2026 • CACV480/2024 • 22 min read

4 cases cited (0 HK, 4 foreign)

Outcome

Appeal dismissed

we dismiss the appeal.

Source: [2026] HKCA 16, Court of Appeal, decided 8 January 2026. Read directly from the judgment.

Judges (2)

Anthony Chan Coram Au Coram

Counsel (3)

Department of Justice Firm Celina Lam Counsel Respondent Tommy Cheung Counsel Respondent

Parties (2)

Secretary for the Civil Service Putative Respondent Li Hao Tian Applicant

Case Significance

Li Hao Tian v. The Secretary for the Civil Service [2026] HKCA 16 was an appeal to the Court of Appeal from Li Hao Tian v. The Secretary for the Civil Service [2024] HKCFI 2580. In dismissing the appeal, the Court of Appeal drew on [2019] HKCA 1022, [2019] 4 HKLRD 225 and [2022] 2 HKLRD 845, holding: "we dismiss the appeal."

Summary

Li Hao Tian appealed against the dismissal of his judicial review application challenging a decision of the Secretary for the Civil Service regarding his employment or appointment. The Court of Appeal examined the grounds of appeal and the public law principles applicable. The appeal was heard with judgment delivered on 8 January 2026.

What did the Court of Appeal decide in Li Hao Tian v. The Secretary for the Civil Service [2026] HKCA 16?

The Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal from Li Hao Tian v. The Secretary for the Civil Service [2024] HKCFI 2580, holding "we dismiss the appeal," after considering [2019] HKCA 1022, [2019] 4 HKLRD 225 and [2022] 2 HKLRD 845.