Public Interest Litigation and Access to Justice

Abstract

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has become an important mechanism for expanding access to justice in India, particularly where issues affect disadvantaged groups, public rights, or matters of wider social significance. By allowing appropriate public-spirited individuals and organizations to approach constitutional courts in suitable cases, PIL can reduce some traditional barriers associated with strict rules of standing. Indian courts have used PIL in areas such as environmental protection, prison conditions, bonded labour, public health, and administrative accountability. At the same time, PIL requires careful judicial management to prevent misuse for private, political, or publicity-oriented purposes. This paper examines nine major dimensions of PIL and access to justice, including its constitutional foundation, evolution, relaxation of standing, social justice role, rights protection, environmental applications, accountability, limitations, and future prospects.