When we hear about legal processes, the first thing that comes to our mind is a lawsuit. This kind of processes are not so easy and simple where you just have to go to the court and file your case. There are several other details that need to be taken into consideration while filing a case. In India, Public Interest Litigation or PIL is a special type of lawsuit that helps you file cases in the court when there is some public good involved or for the public interest. In this article, we will let you know everything about what is a PIL and how can you file one in India? If you need more information on this topic, keep reading.
What is a PIL?
A public interest litigation or PIL is a special type of civil action lawsuit that is filed in the court on behalf of the public to protect their interests or rights. It is a petition that is filed by an individual or a group of people on behalf of the society and on some important public issues that need to be resolved. A petition in the court is the main part of the PIL process. PILs can be filed on many issues that are important for the public which cannot be resolved through normal court procedures. It is not just a mere petition, but it is also a way of bringing important issues to the court that otherwise would not be heard.
How to File a PIL?
If you want to file a PIL, the first and most important step is to identify the issue that you want to file a PIL against. Then, you have to talk to the people whose rights have been affected by the issue. Once you have gathered all the facts, collect all the necessary proofs for your case and file a petition in the court. The next step is to get the petition admitted. You will also have to get a notice issued to the other party/parties involved in your case. Once the other party has responded to your case and there has been some progress in your case, you will have to file an affidavit or a witness statement. You will have to do a lot of things, but if you really want to file a PIL, nothing can stop you.
Limitation on Filing a PIL
– If the issue is trivial
– The court may not take it seriously. There have been cases where the court has dismissed cases because they were trivial in nature.
– If it is speculative in nature
– The court may dismiss your case if you have no concrete proof. This is because the court does not entertain speculations.
– If there is no public interest involved
– The court will not entertain cases that do not involve the public interest.
– If the issue has already been resolved
– If the issue has already been resolved, the court will not entertain your case.
– If the issue has been resolved in a different way
– If the issue has already been resolved in another way, the court will not entertain your case.
Purposes of PIL
– It is a valuable tool to promote human rights and social justice. There are many cases where human rights are violated and the victims cannot get any legal or other help. In such cases, PILs can help them get justice. – It is a way to bring issues that are important for the public to the court. There are many issues that are not just important for a few people, but for the whole society. Such issues can be raised through PILs. – It is a way to involve people in the administration of justice. The justice system is not just for lawyers, judges and other court officials. It is meant for everyone, and PILs can help get more people involved in the system.
Types of Public Interest Litigation in India
– Human Rights Litigation – Human rights are the rights that every human being is entitled to. These include the right to live, equality, freedom and so on. When these rights are violated, Human Rights Litigation can be used to file a PIL. – Social and Civil Action Litigation – Social action litigation includes PILs on issues like discrimination against certain communities, the rights of women and children, environmental issues, and so on. Civil action litigation includes PILs on property rights, freedom of trade, and so on. – Public Interest Jurisdiction – Public interest jurisdiction is a special type of PIL that is used when the government is involved in an issue. – Public Interest Disqualification – This is used when a government official or a legislator is involved in an issue that is against the public interest. – Public Interest Petition – This is used when the government is involved in an issue and the court has no jurisdiction over that issue. – Writ Petition – This is used when there has been a violation of fundamental rights and liberties under the Constitution of India.
Conclusion
The Public Interest Litigation or PIL is a special type of lawsuit where an individual or a group of people file a petition in the court on behalf of the public to protect their interests or rights. A petition in the court is the main part of the PIL process, and the court can take action against the government or anyone else who is involved in the issue. If you have any concern about something and wish to make a change, then PILs are the best way to go about it. You just have to identify the issue and file a petition in the court. The court will then take action against the government or the person responsible for the issue and take the necessary actions.
Read More :