PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION IN INDIA: EVOLUTION, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India emerged as a significant legal innovation aimed at promoting social justice and addressing the needs of marginalized communities. Evolving from traditional legal paradigms, PIL has empowered individuals and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to seek judicial intervention for the enforcement of public interest, particularly in cases concerning human rights, environmental issues, and socio-economic inequalities. This paper examines the evolution of PIL in the Indian judiciary, highlighting landmark cases that have shaped its trajectory and underscored its role as a catalyst for social change. Furthermore, it explores the relationship between PIL and the principles of social justice, analyzing how judicial activism has contributed to advancing the rights of the underprivileged. However, the growth of PIL is not without challenges, including concerns regarding judicial overreach, misuse of the PIL mechanism, and the impact of increasing litigation on the judicial system. This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of PIL in India, emphasizing its significance in promoting social equity while addressing the challenges it faces in contemporary society.