Song Zhengguang can't help crying upon seeing his family's dilapidated house after he was released on bail in Huaiyang county, Central China's Henan province, Jan 1, 2014. [Photo/CFP]

Under the interpretation, if police do not hand a case to prosecutors within one year after the expiration of bail, or if prosecutors do not move forward with a case, litigants may be eligible for compensation for past time spent in custody, such as in a detention house.

"I decided to apply for the compensation for my poor client, as well as his parents," Lin said.