Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

Overeview - Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

As the term implies, litigation for any public interest is known as public interest litigation (PIL). Due to the fact that the word 'litigation' simply implies 'legal action,' it refers to a legal action launched by a prominent figure. This strategy serves to safeguard the general welfare. It is legal action brought in a court of law to defend welfare issues like terrorism, pollution, and building dangers.

PIL allows Indian citizens to submit a petition to the Supreme Court or a High Court immediately. Any person may bring a public interest lawsuit. A public interest lawsuit is intended to hold the government accountable when it is believed that someone is being denied their rights and interests.

Reasons for Filing a PIL (Public Interest Litigation)

• Violation of ethical rights or fundamental rights.
• Violation of human rights of the poor.
• Force the municipal authorities to conduct a public duty.
• Execution of government policy.

Benefits of Public Interest Litigation

• It clarifies the law.
• Hold public bodies to account by assuring that they make correct choices, act fairly within the remit of their powers.
• Help and develop the law by allowing the judges to interpret legislation.
• Give weak people a voice by highlighting a major issue. Moreover, providing a platform for advocating for their rights.
• Raise awareness of major problems supporting public debate and media coverage.
• Vigilant citizens can find a reasonable solution because there is only a nominal rate of court fees.
• Litigants can focus attention on and achieve outcomes about larger public issues. Moreover, in the field of Human rights, consumer welfare, and the environment.

Where to File PIL?

Public Interest Litigation can be filed in the High Court or Supreme Court depending on the situation. Both the courts have the power to entertain the PIL.

In High Court

If a PIL is filed in a High Court, the person is required to file two copies of the petition. Similarly, an advance copy of the petition has to be served on each respondent, which is the opposite party, and this proof of service has to be attached to the petition.

In The Supreme Court

If the PIL is filed in Supreme Court, then five sets of the petition should be filed opposite the party served, the copy only if the notice is issued.

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) Format

The Public Interest Litigation format has the following procedures:

• The format of the supreme court has the name of the petitioner and the name of the respondent.
• The format should be written to the Chief Justice of India.
• Moreover, proceed with the subject of the format to fill the necessary event.

Procedure to File Public Interest Litigation in India

• The proceedings in the case of IPL commence and carry on in the same manner as other cases.
• The judge can select a commissioner to investigate charges like pollution being caused, trees being cut, sewer problems, etc between the processes.
• After the last hearing, the judge delivers his final decision.

Why Do We Need Public Interest Litigation

• The PIL clarifies the Indian societal law.
• It ensures that they make appropriate decisions, act fair and transparent within their legal powers.
• Aid in improving the law by presenting the judges with the chance to correctly interpret the legislation.
• Present a voice to the voiceless and vulnerable by highlighting a crucial issue.
• Providing a platform for vulnerable people to protect and practice their rights.
• Increase awareness of societal concerns, promote public debates and improve accurate media coverage.

Documents for Public Interest Litigation

• Request a public interest lawyer or association to file the case.
• Collect important documents such as title deeds, verification of residence, identity proof, notice, resettlement policy if any, and photos of the eviction.
• List names and addresses of all aggrieved people nearing the court.
• List names and addresses of government officers from which relief is inquired.
• List events providing rise to violations of basic rights.
• Similarly, list dates indicating the duration of stay at the site, when the eviction took place, when and if an eviction notice was provided, and other important details related to the eviction.
• Mention the relief being sought from the court.

Why Vakilsearch

Why should you choose Vakilsearch to file a PIL? The reasons are as follows:

• One of the platforms that works with you to meet all of your legal needs and link you to reliable professionals is Vakilsearch.
• Our clientele are happy with the legal services we provide which is the reason why we have over 4,00,000 customers and is counting.
• They continually hold us in high respect and provide regular updates as a result of our focus on making legal obligations simple.
• Additionally, our users may always keep tabs on the development of our platform. Our knowledgeable legal consultants are available by phone if you have any queries concerning the Public Interest Litigation for the petition filing process.
• Vakilsearch will make sure that your interactions with the government and other individuals are pleasant and seamless.