National legislators approved a law in Beijing yesterday that gives all Chinese organizations and individuals the right to question any law or regulation that they believe may contradict the Constitution and state laws.

The provision is contained in a procedural law on the examination and approval of administrative, local and provincial-level laws and regulations amended at the 40th meeting of the chairperson and vice chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC).

In addition to central and provincial-level government bodies and legislatures, all Chinese organizations and individuals have been granted the right to question any law or regulation that they believe may contradict the Constitution and state laws.

The first step in using the new rule will be to consult with the lawmaking body concerned, followed by applying to a relevant committee for correction and, if it is not made, submitting the matter to the NPC Standing Committee for a final decision.

The date the new rule would come into effect was not reported.

The meeting also approved a regulation concerning the procedure for examining and approving judicial opinions.

(Xinhua News Agency December 20, 2005)