Write a note on Public Interest Litigation.

Through the courts, one could demand justice and everyone has the right to approach the court. If any individual thinks that his/ her Fundamental rights have been violated then that person has the right to go to these courts as they play a significant role in protecting these rights. But in reality, approaching to these courts for justice means lots of money and time which the poor people of the country couldn’t afford. For the people who couldn’t read and survives on daily wage, going to the courts often seems impossible.

It is because of this situation that the Supreme Court of the country passed a mechanism called Public Interest Litigation or PIL in the early 1980s so that citizens could demand Justice. Any individual on behalf of the victim or the person whose rights has been violated file a PIL in the High Court or the Supreme Court. The process is simplified and a letter or telegram could also serve as the appeal or PIL in the Supreme Court or the High Court.

Rescuing bonded labourers from inhuman work conditions; and securing the release of prisoners in Bihar who had been kept in jail even after their punishment term was over, on such issues PIL was used to get Justice.