“While the concept of ‘public interest’ lacks a universally accepted definition, it generally pertains to matters related to the welfare and well-being of the general public. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) involves legal proceedings that address issues of significance to the broader public. One key characteristic of PIL is its capacity to impact pressing, often divisive, contemporary social concerns through cases that focus on individuals or groups. Courts, as perceived neutral arbitrators, can garner widespread attention and support for their rulings, which may also be regarded as authoritative analyses of underlying social injustices.
PIL serves as a platform for fostering dialogue between the judiciary and government, facilitating discussions on shaping social policies and rectifying long-standing injustices. It often challenges governmental decisions and actions to promote legal compliance, particularly in regulatory matters, and to enhance policies and legal protections across a spectrum of areas, including the environment, human rights, consumer rights, children’s rights, women’s rights, and the rights of sexual minorities. Even unsuccessful PIL cases can spark public outcry and stimulate various forms of political action. Moreover, PIL can guide the courts in interpreting domestic and international laws in ways that contribute to the development of progressive jurisprudence.
PIL is often associated with offering free legal services to underprivileged individuals, enabling them to confront powerful economic, political, and governmental interests. While it is a subset of pro bono legal work, PIL can be costly due to its involvement in complex legal and policy matters and the typically protracted duration of such cases. These PIL actions may aim to broaden the scope of social services and elevate the living standards of vulnerable populations, among other objectives. In many instances, victims of injustices find it challenging to engage in political actions due to their expenses and potential harm in certain contexts.”