Explain the concept : Public Interest Litigation

Answer: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a petition filed in a court for the protection of the public interest, by any person or organisation, even if he or she is not personally affected.

Through PIL, citizens can bring to the notice of the High Court or Supreme Court issues such as pollution, bonded labour, the rights of prisoners or of the poor who cannot approach the court themselves. PIL has made the judiciary more active (judicial activism) and has helped protect the rights of weaker sections.