Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a legal mechanism that allows individuals or organizations to approach the courts on behalf of the public interest. Unlike traditional cases, PIL focuses on protecting the rights of communities and addressing issues that affect society at large.
Public Interest Litigations are commonly filed in matters related to environmental protection, human rights, governance issues, and social justice. The objective is to ensure that justice is accessible even to those who may not have the resources to approach the court themselves.
Courts in India have played a significant role in expanding the scope of PIL to protect public welfare. Through PIL, the judiciary has addressed several important issues affecting society and strengthened the rule of law.