Hearing complaints, charges and accusations made by citizens

The Constitution provides that a citizen has the power to file complaints, charges or accusations against any state organ or individual member of staff where unlawful acts or dereliction of official duty are concerned. The Standing Committees of people's congresses at and above county level can hear complaints concerning the government, the court or the procuratorate.

The system of inquiry

While considering bills, NPC deputies can make formal inquiries of the state organs concerned. These bodies then provide representatives to report at meetings of deputies or delegations as appropriate.

When the NPC is in session, a delegation or over 30 deputies may through a joint letter make inquiries of various departments and commissions of the State Council. The Presidium will decide whether the body to which inquiries are addressed should give a written response or have those responsible appear in person at a meeting of the Presidium, or relevant special committee or delegation.

Also during a meeting of the NPC Standing Committee, more than 10 members of the committee, may in a joint letter raise inquiries of the State Council and its departments and commissions, the Supreme People's Court or the Supreme People's Procuratorate. The chairmen's meeting will decide whether to call for a written response or have those responsible appear in person at a meeting of the Standing Committee or the relevant special committee.

In addition, the National People's Congress and its Standing Committee have powers to investigate special issues and their authority is backed by powers of dismissal.