China's supreme court has ordered local courts to better handle lawsuits that are filed by people who disagree with administrative orders, especially those suits that effect large numbers of people.

China has seen an increasing number of civil suits involving controversial administrative orders in recent years. They often center on the expropriation of rural land, urban household resettlement, corporate restructuring and environmental protection.

"Such disputes, which usually involve serious conflicts and the interests of a large number of people, are difficult to handle and can have a great impact on social harmony and stability," Cao Jianming, vice president of the Supreme People's Court, said at a recent national meeting on administrative trial.

He urged local courts to improve mediation services and prevent the disputes from escalating.

"Mediation should involve thorough investigations and with the precondition that the interests of state, the public and individuals will not be harmed," Cao said.

He also warned that no courts should force litigants to accept a mediated settlement against their will.

The vice president said that the supreme court is preparing a document that will help guide lower courts in their handling of such law suits.

Source: Xinhua