Indian Polity • JudiciaryMedium
What is the distinguishing feature of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Indian judicial system regarding the traditional rule of locus standi?
A. It requires the petitioner to demonstrate a direct personal injury or proprietary loss.
B. It relaxes the traditional rule of locus standi, allowing any public-spirited individual or organization to file a petition on behalf of aggrieved persons unable to approach the court.✓ Correct Answer
C. It is restricted solely to criminal matters involving custodial violence.
D. It can be initiated exclusively by the Attorney General of India.
💡 Solution & Explanation
Public Interest Litigation introduced a major procedural relaxation by waiving the strict traditional requirement of locus standi, permitting public-spirited entities to approach courts for the protection of fundamental rights of marginalized sections. Developed during the late 1970s and 1980s, PIL transformed the Supreme Court and High Courts into social justice forums. It applies to both civil and human rights violations affecting the public at large. Article 32 and Article 226 serve as the jurisdictional anchors for PIL.
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