A Critical Study On Public Interest Litigation (PIL): A Boon Or Bane
- IJLLR Journal
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
P. Gopinath, Department of Legal Studies, School of Law, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai
Dr. S. Jenifer Stella, Assistant Professor, Department of Legal Studies, School of Law, Vels Institute of Science Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS), Chennai
ABSTRACT
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a significant development in the Indian judicial system that has made justice more accessible to the common people. By relaxing the rule of locus standi, it allows any public-spirited individual or organization to approach the courts on behalf of those who cannot do so themselves. This has strengthened the protection of Fundamental Rights and expanded the role of the judiciary in promoting social justice, equality, and accountability.
Over the years, PIL has helped address important social, economic, and environmental issues such as bonded labour, women’s rights, child labour, prisoners’ rights, and environmental protection. It has also improved transparency and ensured better governance.
However, PIL has sometimes been misused for personal, political, or publicity purposes, which has increased the burden on the judiciary and affected its credibility. This study briefly examines PIL as both a beneficial and misused tool, concluding that while it remains an important instrument for justice, it must be used responsibly and under proper judicial scrutiny to maintain its true purpose.
