HSBC moves to evict occupiers. File photo.

A High Court master warned that if their explanation proved to be unsatisfactory, she could order their removal at the next hearing on August 13 without considering further submissions.

The bank sought the eviction after the group refused requests to leave voluntarily in May. HSBC says the space is needed for a number of community events. So far, three men have been named as defendants in the case, while other occupants say they're still considering whether to join the litigation.

The activists took over the area last October as part of a worldwide movement against capitalism. Occupiers in New York and London have since been evicted.