China to review govt interference-curbing draft

Government interference in lawsuits will be curbed through multiple measures outlined in a draft amendment to a law that defines procedures for suing public administrations.

The draft amendment to the Administrative Procedure Law is scheduled to be reviewed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China’s top legislature, during a session from Dec 23 to 28.

According to the draft, courts should guarantee the people's right to sue public institutions. Government agencies and individuals will not be allowed to hinder the exercise of judicial power.

If individuals or organizations believe that their rights to own and use natural resources — including land, minerals, water, forestry, mountains and grassland — have been denied by government agencies, the individuals or organizations may sue, the draft rules.

The draft also rules that if the people sue government agencies at and above the county level, the case should be under the jurisdiction of intermediate people’s court, a move that also aims to prevent government interference.

The draft has a total of 99 rules, which has more detailed regulations than the current, 75-rule law.

Members of the NPC Standing Committee heard an explanation of the draft on Dec 23, and they will review the draft amendment on Dec 25, according to a schedule released by the committee.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn