IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Public Interest Litigation (PIL)

29th May, 2023 POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

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Context: A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on 26th May, requesting the court to direct the Lok Sabha Secretariat to arrange for the inauguration ceremony by President Droupadi Murmu, who is the first woman and tribal leader to hold the office.

Details

  • The new Parliament building, which was constructed as part of the Central Vista redevelopment project, has been inaugurated on 28th
  • A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on 26th May, requesting the court to direct the Lok Sabha Secretariat to arrange for the inauguration ceremony by President Droupadi Murmu, who is the first woman and tribal leader to hold the office.
    • However, the Supreme Court dismissed the PIL, stating that it was not within its jurisdiction to interfere in such matters. The court also observed that the PIL was frivolous and motivated by political considerations.

Must Read Articles:

Public Interest Litigation: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/public-interest-litigation

New Parliament building of India: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/new-parliament-building-of-india

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements.

1. Article 21 of the Indian constitution allows for PIL.

2. Justice PN Bhagwati is widely regarded as the pioneer of PIL in India.

3. PIL promotes transparency and accountability in governance and administration.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A) 1 only

B) 2 only

C) 3 only

D) All

 Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: Article 32 of the Indian constitution gives the right to constitutional remedies to every citizen. It empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights. It also allows the Supreme Court to entertain PILs, which are letters or petitions filed by public-spirited individuals or organizations alleging violations of fundamental rights.

Statement 2 is correct: Justice PN Bhagwati is widely regarded as the pioneer of PIL in India. He was instrumental in developing the concept and practice of PIL in India. He introduced several procedural innovations and substantive principles to make PIL an effective instrument for social justice and judicial activism.

Statement 3 is correct: PIL has several advantages in India. It provides access to justice to marginalized and disadvantaged sections of society who cannot afford legal representation or are unaware of their rights. It promotes transparency and accountability in governance and administration by exposing corruption, maladministration, abuse of power, etc. It protects and enforces fundamental rights and human rights by addressing issues such as custodial violence, environmental degradation, bonded labour, child labour, etc.

https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=SC-refuses-to-entertain-PIL-seeking-direction-to-Lok-Sabha-Secretariat-for-inauguration-of-new-Parliament-building-by-President&id=461541