A High Court hearing on the government’s bid to outlaw the protest song Glory to Hong Kong was adjourned on Monday without a ruling, as the judge questioned who the defendants in the case are.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) wants the court to ban people from performing or playing the song if they have "a seditious intention", or are trying to incite people to commit secession.

But judge Wilson Chan asked government lawyers who the defendants are, adding that he would be surprised if those bound by an injunction order didn't have the chance to defend themselves.

The lawyers said they would need some time to give the court a reply.

They also said they wanted to amend their application so that an injunction covers people who have the intention of carrying out any of the prohibited acts, which also include playing the protest song in a way that leads people to think it's the SAR's official anthem.

The judge questioned how the DOJ would advertise the injunction order if it is granted.

In response, the lawyers said there would be a press release with a link to the order, and the court's document would also be published on government websites and posted at Wanchai Police Station.

The hearing was adjourned until July 21.

The government's injunction bid follows several blunders in which Glory to Hong Kong was played instead of the national anthem at international sports events.