Wei & Xia

In the matter of *Wei & Xia*, heard by Harper J, the respondent husband sought an *Anton Piller* order concerning jewellery and items stored in safety deposit boxes.

The central legal issue before the court was whether to grant an *Anton Piller* order, which allows for the preservation of evidence by authorising a search and seizure of property. This type of order is an extraordinary remedy, typically granted in circumstances where there is a real risk that evidence will be removed or destroyed before trial.

Harper J considered the application for an *Anton Piller* order. The court's reasons for judgment, which are not fully reproduced here, would have detailed the specific evidence and arguments presented by the respondent husband to satisfy the stringent criteria for such an order. The court's ultimate decision was to make orders concerning the filing and service of any application for *Anton Piller* relief, including the timing and the parties to be served.

The court ordered that by no later than 10:00 am on 19 October 2020, the First Respondent was to file and serve any Application in a Case seeking orders in the nature of *Anton Piller* orders against the Applicant and any other person. Service of such an application upon Ms W was to be effected by no later than 9:00 am on the same date. Furthermore, the First Respondent was required to file and serve an affidavit in support of the application by 10:00 am on 19 October 2020, with a copy of the affidavit to be served upon Ms W by 9:00 am on that day if orders were to be sought against her. Publication of the judgment under the pseudonym *Wei & Xia* was approved by the Chief Justice.