Meaning of Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal mechanism that enables any individual or group to approach the courts for redressal of issues that affect the public at large, even if the petitioner is not directly aggrieved. PIL serves as a powerful tool for the enforcement of fundamental rights and for addressing systemic social, environmental, or administrative issues.

Its authority is derived from Article 32, which guarantees the right to constitutional remedies, and Article 226, which empowers the High Courts to issue writs. PIL has been used effectively in cases ranging from environmental protection to corruption and access to education, thereby transforming the judicial process into a catalyst for social change.

By democratizing access to justice, PIL ensures that the voice of the marginalized is heard and that public authorities are held accountable for their actions.