Courts seek to smooth suits against govt

2015 change resulted in heavier loads for judges; mediation seen as one solution

Suing government agencies will become easier, as further streamlining of the system is being explored to polish procedural rough edges and to find innovative solutions for settling disputes, according to court officials.

A guideline handed down by central authorities last May made things easier by requiring courts to cut unnecessary barriers and accept a dispute at the time a suit is registered, rather than after a preliminary review of its merits. But the rule contributed to a sharp increase in the filing of disputes - especially in cases involving complaints against government departments - according to Li Shaoping, vice-president of the Supreme People's Court.