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What is PIL ?

James Joseph Adhikarathil, Former Deputy Collector, Alappuzha,Leading Land Consultant in Kerala. Call 9447464502

Answered on April 21,2023

Public interest Litigation (PIL) means litigation filed in a court of law, for the protection of “Public Interest”. Any matter where the interest of the public at large is affected can be redressed by filing a Public Interest Litigation in a court of law such as Pollution, Terrorism, Road safety, Constructional hazards, etc.

The expression ‘Public Interest Litigation’ has been borrowed from American jurisprudence, where it was designed to provide legal representation to previously unrepresented groups like the poor, the racial minorities, unorganized consumers, citizens who were passionate about the environmental issues, etc.

PIL is not defined in any statute or in any act. It has been interpreted by judges to consider the intent of the public at large. It is the power given to the public by courts through judicial activism. Read in detail on the Judicial Activism on the linked page. However, the person filing the petition must prove to the court’s satisfaction that the petition is being filed for public interest and not just as a frivolous litigation by a busy body.

Some of the matters which are entertained under Public Interest Litigation are Neglected Children, Bonded Labour matters, Atrocities on Women, Non-payment of minimum wages to workers, exploitation of casual workers, food adulteration, Environmental pollution, and disturbance of ecological balance, Maintenance of heritage and culture, etc.

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What is PIL ?

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