The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) recognises and respects freedom of press, and always conducts investigations and gathers evidence in accordance with the law. In the course of evidence gathering, the ICAC may need to obtain materials required for the investigation through legal proceedings if necessary. Since the case involves journalistic materials, the ICAC has sought advice from the Department of Justice, and subsequent to the legal advice, made applications with the High Court pursuant to Section 84(1) and (2) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance.

The details of the applications are stipulated in the originating summons. As stated in the summons, should the respondents decline to produce such materials due to any reasons, they may present their grounds to the High Court at the hearing fixed for Au gust 27. The High Court will make a ruling on the applications.