Question

PIL stands for __________.
A. Public Investment Level
B. Public Interest Litigation
C. Public Involvement in Legislature
D. Public Interest Level

Answer 1

Hint: PIL was introduced by Justice P. N. Bhagwati to look after the socially disadvantaged sections of the society who cannot approach the higher authorities but seek justice.

Complete answer: Public interest litigation (PIL) refers to litigation undertaken to safeguard the public interest. It is a very good provision that demonstrates the availability of justice to socially-disadvantaged communities or minorities. The concept of public interest litigation (PIL) is enshrined in Article 39A of the Indian Constitution. Before the 1980s the judiciary including the Supreme Court of India harboured litigation only from parties that were affected directly or indirectly. Its functioning included hearing and deciding cases only under original and appellate jurisdictions. However, the Supreme Court recognised the need for PILs wherein people who were not impacted were also allowed to file PILs. Therefore, it began permitting cases on the grounds of public interest litigation. It meant that even people who are not directly involved in the case can come up with matters of public interest to the court. It is the court's duty to entertain the applications that are filed by the general public. It is seen as relaxation of the proverbial rule of locus standi.

So, the correct answer is option B.

Note: Any citizen can file a petition under Article 32 in the Supreme Court. Apart from that Article 226 provides to file a petition in the High Court and section 133 of the Criminal Procedure Code in a magistrate's court.