BEIJING -- China's top legal authorities have for the first time clearly stipulated that victims of miscarriages of justice have the right to compensation for mental anguish.

The Supreme People's Court (SPC) on Wednesday revealed a judicial explanation saying that compensation applications can be filed in non-criminal cases where people have been wrongfully subjected to law enforcement.

To redress judicial infringement, the court and its staff should eliminate ill effects, rehabilitate reputations and extend formal apologies to victims.

For mishandled cases which result in serious harm, the judiciary should apologize and pay compensation for mental suffering.

Those who have had their assets illegally frozen or sold off by the court can also ask for compensation.