Objectives of Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Introduction

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has emerged as a crucial mechanism in Indian jurisprudence for addressing societal grievances and ensuring justice for marginalized and disadvantaged groups. PILs are designed to address broader social issues and have significantly influenced legal and social reforms in India.

1. Promote Access to Justice for the Underprivileged

• Objective: One of the primary objectives of PIL is to ensure that justice is accessible to all, particularly for those who lack the resources to pursue legal remedies on their own. PILs aim to give a voice to the marginalized, poor, and disadvantaged sections of society.
• Recent Example: In 2020, the Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the plight of migrant workers stranded due to the COVID-19 lockdown. The Court’s intervention through PILs led to the establishment of a comprehensive framework for their relief, including transportation and financial assistance.

2. Address Systemic and Institutional Failures

• Objective: PILs are used to tackle systemic and institutional failures that affect public welfare. They seek to address issues where the state or institutions have failed in their duty to uphold rights or deliver services effectively.
• Recent Example: The 2019 PIL filed by environmental groups against industrial pollution in the Ganga River led to the Supreme Court’s stringent orders for cleaning and monitoring. The Court’s oversight aimed to address systemic issues in pollution control mechanisms.

3. Advance Social Justice and Human Rights

• Objective: PILs aim to advance social justice and protect fundamental rights by highlighting and rectifying violations. They serve as a tool for enforcing constitutional rights and ensuring compliance with human rights standards.
• Recent Example: In 2017, the Supreme Court’s judgment in the PIL challenging the practice of “Triple Talaq” (instant divorce) was a landmark decision. The Court declared it unconstitutional, thereby promoting gender justice and protecting the rights of Muslim women.

Conclusion

Public Interest Litigation serves as a vital instrument for promoting justice, addressing systemic failures, and advancing social justice. Through recent examples, it is evident how PILs have played a significant role in addressing public grievances and enforcing rights in contemporary India.