Kemal Bokhary

Syed Kemal Shah Bokhary

Bokhary retired from his position as Permanent Judge on 24 October 2012 upon reaching the retirement age of 65. In remarks upon the occasion, he warned of "a storm of unprecedented ferocity" which threatened the judicial autonomy of Hong Kong. Commenting on the decision not to extend his retirement age, Bokhary suggested that, "If you were asking if I believe that the reason why [my retirement age was not] extended is because of my liberal judgements, then I would tell you that I do believe that."[11] Nevertheless, reflecting on his time on the bench, Bokhary stated that, although opinions between the justices differed on occasion, he never encountered anything less than a highly-cooperative attitude, both at the hearing and judgment-writing stages.^[12] He also insisted that Hong Kong judges would always independently apply the law, Beijing's power to interpret the Basic Law notwithstanding: “The very fact that there’s an interpretation [from Beijing] shows you that the court is independent. Because if the courts are not independent, then they could just be told quietly behind the scenes what to do, and they would do it. But everybody knows that’s not how it works in Hong Kong.”^[13]

In March 2012, Robert Tang was named as his successor.^[14] Bokhary has continued to sit as a Non-Permanent Judge, hearing occasional cases.^[15][16]

Since retirement as a Permanent Judge, Bokhary has published Recollections, a memoir,^[17] and the Crocky series, a series of cartoons,^[18] reflecting upon his career in the law.[1]

Quotes

• "Humanity is the application." (
  Lau Kong Yung v. Director of Immigration
  )
• 'Human rights are aptly named, being basic to and inherent in humankind. ..."have always existed with the human being ... independently of, and before, the State."' (
  Secretary for Justice v. Yau Yuk Lung Zigo, citing Ethiopia v South Africa; Liberia v South Africa)^[19]
• "Of the many and varied purposes for which law is made, none is more important than that of declaring, protecting and realising the full potential of human rights." (
  Secretary for Justice v. Yau Yuk Lung Zigo)^[19]
• "And then I conclude by paying another tribute. It is to the dignity in adversity displayed by all the abode-seekers, including and especially the woman who made every effort to remain composed before ultimately breaking down in tears at the final hearing of this long and sad case. My saying that may only be cold comfort to them. But I consider it right to say it nevertheless." (Ng Siu Tung and others v. Director of Immigration, FACV 1/2001, at para. 55)
• "What is the true scope of the protection conferred by the presumption of innocence? [...] Just because the presumption of innocence is a key component of our criminal justice system, it does not follow that the protection which it confers is strictly confined to criminal proceedings. Such protection obviously extends at least to include civil matters connected with such proceedings. [...] The law moves forward, especially to provide better protection and enforcement of fundamental rights and freedoms. [...] Indifference to a fundamental right or freedom is more insidious – and in that sense can be even more dangerous – than any open derogation from that right or freedom. [...] Threats to fundamental rights and freedoms can come in unpredictable shapes and sizes. A constitution's protection potential must not be cramped. [...] Article 39 of the Basic Law provides that the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall remain in force and be implemented through the laws of Hong Kong." (Yeung Chung Ming v Commissioner of Police, FACV 22/2007, at para. 33, 33, 37, 39, 44, 45, 63)
• "This Court is here to do justice." (Tang Siu Man v HKSAR, FACC 1/1997, at para. 129)

Bibliography

• Human Rights: Source, Contents and Enforcement (Hong Kong: Sweet & Maxwell – Thomson Reuters, 2015)^[20]

References