Definition: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal mechanism that permits individuals or groups to file cases in courts for the benefit of the public. This process empowers citizens, especially marginalized communities, to seek justice.
PIL began to gain traction in India during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was significantly advanced by notable judges such as Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, who recognized its potential to effect social change.
Courts generally welcome PILs but have recently begun to impose fines for frivolous PILs. This is to discourage misuse and ensure that judicial resources are used effectively.
The Supreme Court recently imposed a Rs. 5 lakh fine on a petitioner for a frivolous PIL questioning the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court's oath-taking process. This ruling aimed to prevent the wastage of judicial resources and serves as a warning against filing non-meritorious cases.
A 'frivolous' PIL is one that lacks substantial merit and is deemed a waste of the court's time. In this instance, the case revolved around a minor issue regarding a missing word in the Chief Justice's oath.
Understanding the evolution, advantages, and challenges of PIL is crucial for grasping the dynamics of the Indian judicial system. Familiarity with recent court actions regarding PILs can enhance insights into ongoing judicial reforms.
Q1. What is the purpose of Public Interest Litigation (PIL)?
Answer: The purpose of PIL is to allow individuals or groups to seek justice in court on behalf of the public, particularly for marginalized communities facing legal challenges.
Q2. Who pioneered PIL in India?
Answer: Public Interest Litigation in India was significantly advanced by Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Q3. What are the common issues with PIL?
Answer: Common issues include misuse for personal gains, overburdening the judiciary, and potential judicial overreach into legislative areas.
Q4. How does the court respond to frivolous PILs?
Answer: Courts may impose fines on frivolous PILs to deter misuse and ensure that judicial resources are allocated to cases of genuine concern.
Q5. What recent action did the Supreme Court take regarding a frivolous PIL?
Answer: The Supreme Court imposed a Rs. 5 lakh fine on a petitioner for a frivolous PIL concerning the oath-taking procedure of the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court.
Question 1: What does PIL stand for in the Indian legal context?
A) Public Interest Litigation
B) Personal Interest Litigation
C) Private Interest Litigation
D) Public Inquiry Litigation
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Who were the key figures in the establishment of PIL in India?
A) Justice R.S. Sharma and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
B) Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
C) Justice R.M. Lodha and Justice R.B. Misra
D) Justice K.G. Balakrishnan and Justice A.P. Shah
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is a common downside of PILs?
A) They always lead to judicial reforms.
B) They can be misused for political gains.
C) They have no impact on marginalized communities.
D) They are always welcomed by the courts.
Correct Answer: B
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