5 May 2011
Leave to appeal was granted because it was reasonably arguable that the terms "public official" and "public office" could be interpreted to include the respondent's position and because seniority may be relevant to the seriousness assessment; therefore the matter raises a point of law of great and general importance under s.32(2).
24 Apr 1989
Adjudicators of the Immigration Tribunal and the Registration of Persons Tribunal do not, by virtue of their appointment and statutory scheme, hold a 'public office' or an 'office of emolument in the gift or disposal of a public body' for the purposes of s.21(1)(b) of the Legislative Council (Electoral Provisions) Ordinance; the Ordinance was intended to disqualify civil servants/employees of the Crown rather than part‑time tribunal adjudicators, and therefore the Respondent was not disqualified and his election stands.
8 Mar 1989
Lay assessors and adjudicators do not hold 'public office' for disqualification purposes because their roles are advisory, voluntary, occasional and lack the indicia of an office of emolument under the Crown with continuance; furthermore, statutory time-bars and validation provisions prevent collateral challenges to District Board elections or votes, so Chan's nomination and election were valid.