TNAG-1861-FCO40-2636-Future-of-Hong-Kong-Basic-Law-1989 — Page 203

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Chapter VIII: Interpretation and Amendment of the Basic Law

Article 157

The power of interpretation of this Law is vested

in the Standing Committee of the NP C.

The Standing Committee of the NPC

NPC authorizes the

courts of the Hong Kong SAR to interpret on their own those provisions of this Law falling within the scope of the Hong

Kong SAR's autonomy in adjudicating cases before them.

cas es

The courts of the Hong Kong SAR may also interpret

the other provisions of this Law in ad judicating

before them. But if the courts of the Hong Kong SAR, in

ad judicating cases before them, require an interpretation

of those provisions of this Law concerning any affairs

which are the responsibilities of the CPG or the

relationship between the central authorities and the Hong Kong SAR, and if the interpretation of those provisions

will affect the judgment on the case, the Court of Final

Appeal of the Hong Kong SAR should, before a final judgment

against which there can be no further appeal is made on the case, request the Standing Committee of the NPC to give an interpretation of the relevant provisions. If the Standing

Committee of the NPC gives an interpretation, the courts of

the Hong Kong SAR, in applying that provision, should follow that interpretation by the Standing Committee of the

NP C. However, judgments previously rendered shall not be

affected.

The Standing Committee of the NP C shall consult

its Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong SAR before

giving an interpretation of this Law.