With the demolition of the famous "nail house" in Chongqing and acceptable compensation for its owners, the door closed on a landmark case for the protection of individual property rights.

The case tested the issue of relocation compensation in disputes caused by real estate development. The "nail house" became a national symbol as media efforts zeroed in on the struggle for justice.

After more than two years of confrontation between the owners of the house and real estate developers, the two sides reached an agreement moderated by the local court.

The case served as a rehearsal for dispute settlements concerning private property under the new Property Law, which becomes effective in October.

The case provides lessons for both the government and citizens.

Chinese people's awareness of their rights has been growing in recent years. Although some experts have reservations about the compensation the Chongqing couple asked for, the couple has unquestionably set an example of standing up for their rights.

This is a good sign reflecting a more open society.

The new awareness may not be good news for China's real estate developers. More people forced to relocate may demand more acceptable compensation.

This would, hopefully, help bring about more effective, reasonable settlement mechanisms.

Chongqing's local government and local court should be commended for their approach in resolving the dispute.

Unlike many other local governments, they did not use their power to coerce the couple into accepting the price offered by the developers, even before the case attracted the attention of domestic and international media. Instead, they made efforts to help the homeowners and developers find a way out of the stalemate. Their efforts eventually proved successful.

The local government and court have set a good example for their counterparts elsewhere in the country.

(China Daily April 4, 2007)