SPC issues judicial accountability order

China's top court issued a 47-article regulation on Wednesday holding court personnel accountable for procedural violations in case handling, while safeguarding their lawful rights and interests.

The regulation issued by the Supreme People's Court requires accountability for judicial personnel who fail to file cases that meet legal requirements, handle cases in violation of legal procedures, or conceal, forge, alter or destroy evidence and case materials.

Sun Zhenping, head of the Political Department of the SPC, stressed the importance of fulfilling judicial duties and strengthening oversight of court personnel to uphold justice nationwide.

"Whether it involves case filing, trials, judgment enforcement, or trial supervision and management, any intentional violation of duties or gross negligence leading to serious consequences will result in accountability," he said.

The regulation, which took immediate effect, also stipulates that judicial personnel are subject to lifelong accountability for their conduct in handling cases, meaning responsibility can extend to those who have retired, been transferred, resigned or been dismissed, Sun said. He added that implementing the regulation is crucial to promoting judicial fairness and strengthening public trust in the judiciary.

A case cited by the SPC involved a former judge surnamed Liu, who delayed proceedings and submitted falsified documents claiming to have completed 24 cases between 2017 and 2024. Liu also failed to deliver rulings promptly in 70 cases. In 2025, Liu was removed from the judicial team and subjected to disciplinary punishment by the Communist Party of China.

While emphasizing the need for judicial personnel to conduct themselves properly, Liao Xiangyang, head of the Discipline and Supervision Department of the SPC, said they should not be held accountable for circumstances beyond their control.

"Judicial workers performing their duties should not face accountability for wrongful cases if their rulings are later overturned or corrected," he said. This includes cases in which factual changes result from a litigant's actions, new evidence emerges, or laws or policies are revised.

The regulation also requires courts to work with relevant authorities to promptly address and rectify reputational damage suffered by judges as a result of false reports, malicious accusations or defamation, and to hold those responsible accountable.

In another case cited by the SPC, a litigant surnamed Chen, dissatisfied with a court ruling, conspired with his nephew Li in December 2023 to deceive a judge surnamed Yan. Although Yan rejected their advances, Chen and Li transferred 30,000 yuan ($4,492) to the judge, who immediately returned the money.

Chen and Li then falsely accused Yan of accepting bribes and filed false reports with local authorities. Chen also posted defamatory content about Yan online. Videos related to the allegations received more than 200,000 views, seriously disrupting the judge's work and personal life. In 2025, Chen and Li were criminally charged with making false accusations and framing the judge.

Ye Jian, deputy head of the Political Department of the SPC, said the court would work with other authorities to ensure judges receive institutional support and a safe working environment, enabling them to focus on handling cases.

"We will also step up efforts to enhance public awareness of the importance of respecting court rulings, upholding judicial authority and protecting judges' lawful rights and interests," he added.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn