By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter

A group of civic activists and legal experts on Friday said they will file a petition with the Constitutional Court on Monday and ask it to review whether the special law on capital relocation is constitutionally acceptable.

The move comes amid deepening controversy over the capital relocation among political circles following President Roh Moo-hyun’s remarks on Thursday that he would regard resistance to the relocation plan as opposition towards him and his government.

Lawyer Lee Seog-yeon, one of three representatives of the opposing group, said they will submit the petition with the Constitutional Court on behalf of some 160 people who signed for the campaign against capital relocation.

The other two representatives are Kim Mun-hee and Lee Young-mo, former justices of the Constitutional Court. Professors, college students from all around the nation and about 50 members of the council of Seoul City signed for the petition, according to the group.

``Relocation of the capital is as an important affair as to be put to the national referendum according to the Constitution. However, it has been carried out without the nation’s consensus,’’ Lee said.

``The special law on the relocation, which was approved at the National Assembly last year, didn’t follow legal procedure. The legislation passed it without seeking enough public opinion on the crucial matter,’’ he added.

Lee also claimed the law violates people’s constitutional rights to pursue happiness, to participate in politics and other rights they should be able to enjoy as taxpayers.

The group also plans to file another petition with the Constitutional Court to demand the government suspend the relocation project until the court makes a final decision on whether it is against the Constitution or not.

The main opposition Grand National Party has opposed the capital relocation and demanded the government hold a referendum on the issue. Opinion polls show a majority of the public is against the capital move.

On Thursday, 133 religious and academic leaders urged the government to delay the relocation plan, saying the project lacks sufficient agreement among the people and thorough deliberation.

On the same day, however, President Roh criticized those against the government plan, saying the opposition to the capital relocation plan is tantamount to a campaign to discredit or oust the head of state.

rahnita@koreatimes.co.kr