Hong Kong citizens advocating independence from mainland China cannot hold any public office, China's top legislative body, the National People's Congress Standing Committee, ruled on Monday.

The controversial verdict means that Hong Kong's recently elected legislators Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus Leung will not be allowed to retake their oath, after they allegedly botched their oath-taking ceremony on October 12.

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China's top legislative body said that oath-takers shall take legal responsibility for making false oaths and "Oath-taking shall not be rearranged," according to China's state media agency Xinhua.

Following the landmark ruling, Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying has vowed that his government would ensure that the interpretation is implimented in full spirit.

The former British colony is already on its toes following the oath taking controversy. Thousands of protestors gathered outside Hong Kong's highest court on Sunday to stage pro-democracy protest against China. Police had to use pepper spray to disperse the protestors as they were getting increasingly violent and aggressive.

China's decision to review the mini-constitution, known as Basic Law, was seen as a highly controversial move. Many termed Beijing's attempt as one of the most direct intervention in the city's internal affairs since taking over in 1997.

"The interpretation demonstrates the central government's firm determination and will in opposing Hong Kong independence," Xinhua quoted China's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office in a statement.

The intensity of pro-independence movement had fizzled out over the past one year. However, the latest street protest following the oath-taking controversy may revive the movement across the City.

Wai-ching, 25, and Sixtus Leung, 30 allegedly used derogatory words during their oath taking ceremony, forcing officials to term their oath as 'invalid.' They also reportedly pledged their allegiance to "Hong Kong Nation" and unfurled banners that read "Hong Kong Is Not China" during the ceremony.

TagsHong Kong, Hong Kong Pro Independence, china, China and Hong Kong, Hong Kong pro-democracy, oath-taking