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The court's ruling came in response to a request from the former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his wife Pojaman, who argued that the act infringed on their individ?ual rights and liberty.

The couple's request was linked to their legal battle over the controversial Ratchadaphisek land deal in which Pojaman is accused of an abuse of power to secure the purchase at a price lower than the market value.

The Ratchadaphisek land scandal is currently being heard by the Supreme Court's Criminal Division for Political Office Holders.

Paiboon Warahapaithoon, secretary-general of the court, said the court ruled that the NCCC aimed to prevent con?flicts of interests by Cabinet members, thus the NCCC did not violate the charter.

The Court also agreed yes?terday to proceed with a judi?cial review into whether Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej should be disqualified for host?ing a food programme on TV, as requested by the Election Commission.

Paiboon said the court would ask Samak to submit a written statement within 15 days to defend his position.

Paiboon said the court decided to combine the EC complaint with one submitted earlier by a group of senators.

Samak has been accused of violating the Constitution, which prohibits Cabinet mem?bers from being employees of private firms.

The court scheduled August 21 for Samak, the EC and sen?ators to review all the evidence submitted.