Question

Who among the following was actively associated with the concept of Public Interest Litigation and made it widely practicable in India?

• A. Justice P.N. Bhagwati
• B. Justice J.S. Verma
• C. Justice M. Hidayatullah
• D. Justice B.N. Kirpal

Hint:

When you see a question about the origins of PIL in India, the two names to look for are Justice P.N. Bhagwati and Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer. Justice Bhagwati is particularly credited with making it a popular and accessible tool.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: PIL: An Overview:
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) enables individuals/groups to file lawsuits to protect public interests like pollution control, counter-terrorism, and road safety. It contrasts with the traditional 'locus standi' rule, which restricted court access to those directly affected.
Step 2: PIL's Development:
PIL's emergence in India is linked to Supreme Court judges in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Justice P.N. Bhagwati is considered the key figure in developing PIL in India. He, along with Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, relaxed 'locus standi', enabling public access to the court for marginalized communities. He even accepted letters and postcards as formal petitions.
Justice J.S. Verma is known for the Vishakha judgment regarding workplace sexual harassment.
Justices M. Hidayatullah and B.N. Kirpal were respected jurists and former Chief Justices of India, but they are not primarily associated with PIL's evolution.
Step 3: Conclusion:
Justice P.N. Bhagwati was instrumental in shaping and implementing Public Interest Litigation as a practical instrument for social justice in India.