in or to any court, magistrate, statutory tribunal or statutory board such right shall on and after that date vest in the Government of the HKSAR or in the corresponding public officer of that Government, as the case may require.
(2) Where immediately before 1 July 1997 any person enjoyed a right (including a contingent right) involving the Crown, the Queen or a public officer—
- (a) to bring proceedings;
- (b) to appeal;
- (c) to apply for a review of a decision; or
- (d) to apply for a case to be stated,
in or to any court, magistrate, statutory tribunal or statutory board such right shall on and after that date continue to be enjoyed and shall be deemed to involve the Government of the HKSAR or the corresponding public officer, as the case may require.
17. Existing instruments
All instruments (including warrants and summonses) that impose rights or obligations on any person, which were issued in the name of or on behalf of the Crown or the Queen or by a public officer shall, on and after 1 July 1997, continue to have effect and, as the case may require, be deemed to be issued in the name of or on behalf of the Government of the HKSAR or by the corresponding public officer in the HKSAR, as the case may be.
18. Civil proceedings
Civil proceedings which immediately before 1 July 1997 could have been brought by or against the Government of Hong Kong in the name of the Attorney General may on and after that date be brought by or against, as the case may be, the Government of the HKSAR in the name of the Secretary for Justice.
19. Criminal proceedings
Criminal proceedings which immediately before 1 July 1997 could have been brought by, in the name of or against the Crown may on and after that date be brought by, in the name of or against, as the case may be, the HKSAR.
20. Limitation periods
Nothing in this Part shall be construed as extending any period of limitation within which any action or other proceeding must be brought.
