immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution held or was acting in any office established under or by virtue of the Constitution then in force and who holds or is acting in an equivalent office under this Constitution shall be deemed to have taken and subscribed any necessary oath under this Constitution, in accordance with this Constitution. 280. Pending matters. (1) Where any matter or thing has been commenced before the coming into force of this Constitution by any person or authority having power to do so under the existing law, that matter or thing may be carried on and completed by the person or authority having power to do so on or after the coming into force of this Constitution and, unless the President in any case otherwise directs, it shall not be necessary for that person or authority to commence that matter or thing afresh. (2) This article shall have effect subject to the provisions of this Constitution and to any law made by Parliament. 281. Proceedings pending before courts. Legal proceedings pending immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution before any court, including civil proceedings against the Government, may be proceeded with and completed. 282. Prerogative of mercy re cases before constitution. The prerogative of mercy of the President under article 121 of this Constitution may be exercised in respect of any criminal offences committed before the coming into force of this Constitution as it may in respect of a criminal offence committed after the coming into force of this Constitution. 283. Devolution of rights and liabilities. Subject to the provisions of article 284 of this Constitution— (a) any right, prerogative, privilege or function which under the existing law vested in the President shall vest in the President or other person or authority as is specified under this Constitution; (b) any right, privilege, obligation, liability, or function vested in or subsisting against the Government by or under an existing law shall continue to so vest or subsist.