BEIJING, May 8 -- The Ministry of Justice on Friday released a guideline on the petition system, which underscored the rule of law and protection of petitioners' rights.

The guideline stipulates that authorities must resolve conflicts and disputes legally, and any practice that limits public petitioning must be rectified.

Petition cases diverted to courts must include a timeline outlining the dates for the hearing, sentencing, and enforcement of judgement, the guideline said.

The ministry hopes the guideline will address the problems with protracted petitions through the standardization of legal procedures. An judicial withdrawal mechanism will be introduced to ensure legal aid and resources are distributed to those most in need.

Petitioning, also known as letters and calls, is Chinese administrative system for hearing public complaints and grievances.

Many complaints are filed every year in China, usually concerning land acquisition, social security, health care or environmental protection.