Beijing’s interpretation of the Basic Law this week laid down clear principles on the legality of oaths taken by lawmakers and other officials. But that is not the end of the story. Those principles must now be applied in Hong Kong and any questions arising will ultimately be settled by the courts.

The events which led to the interpretation were triggered by insensitive and insulting comments by two pro-independence lawmakers when taking their oaths. Their fate will be decided by the courts in a case brought before Beijing’s ruling. However, the interpretation has prompted two further cases. One, brought by a taxi driver, targets eight democrat legislators facing disqualification because of alleged defects in their oaths. The other, filed by a retired civil servant, seeks the removal of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and three pro-establishment Legco members on similar grounds. Everyone is entitled to bring a legal action. But there are rules about who has the right to proceed with a judicial review. Judges will, no doubt, consider applications carefully before deciding whether they have merit. There is a danger this whole painful affair will now escalate further. Common sense must prevail. It is time for all sides to exercise restraint and allow the judges to apply the law. We do not want our courts to become political battlegrounds.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhenmin, legal department head of Beijing’s liaison office, has told a forum 15 lawmakers “messed up” their oaths, while former central government official Chen Zuoer identified eight types of insincere oaths by legislators. Such comments are intended to reinforce principles laid down in the interpretation and to warn Hong Kong lawmakers to behave in future. Oaths are to be taken sincerely and must then be adhered to. Beijing has made it clear that pro-independence advocacy in Legco will not be tolerated. Lawmakers would do well to heed the warning and to refrain from such actions.