We all have heard about Public Interest Litigation (PIL), but don't know exactly who can file and PIL and how. I searched for this and found some very useful information, which are worth sharing with you.
Some of the statements might have been copied by me from the reference.
1. How can I file a PIL?
PIL is filed in the same manner, as a writ petition is filed. If a PIL is filed in a High Court, then two (2) copies of the petition have to be filed (for Supreme Court, then (4+1=5 sets) Also, an advance copy of the petition has to be served on the each respondent, i.e. opposite party, and this proof of service has to be affixed on the petition.
The Procedure:
A Court fee of Rs. 50, per respondent (i.e. for each number of party, court fees of Rs 50) has to be affixed on the petition. Proceedings, in the PIL commence and carry on in the same manner, as other cases. However, in between the proceedings if the Judge feels that he may appoint the commissioner, to inspect allegations like pollution being caused, trees being cut, sewer problems, etc. After filing of replies, by opposite party, or rejoinder by the petitioner, final hearing takes place, and the judge gives his final decision.
2. In which cases, can a PIL be filed?
PIL can be filed only in a case where 'Public Interest' at large is affected. Merely because, only one person is effected by state inaction is not a reason for PIL.
There are some of the possible areas where PIL can be filed.
� Where a factory/ industry unit is causing air pollution, and people nearly are getting effected.
� Where, in an area/ street there are no street lights, causing inconvenience to commuters.
� Where some "Banquet Hall" plays a loud music, in night causing noise pollution.
� Where some construction company is cutting down trees, causing environmental pollution.
� Where poor people, are affected, because of state government's arbitrary decision to impose heavy Tax.
� For directing the police/ Jail authorities to take appropriate decisions in regards to jail reforms, such as segregation of convicts, delay in trial, before the court on remand dates.
� For abolishing child labor, and bonded labor.
� Where rights of working women are affected by sexual harassment.
� For keeping a check on corruption and crime involving holders of high political officer.
� For maintaining Roads, Sewer etc in good condition.
� For removal of Big Hoarding and signboards from the busy road to avoid traffic problem.
3. Who can file the PIL?
Earlier it was only a person whose interest was directly affected along with others, whereby his fundamental right is affected who used to file such litigation. Now, the trend has changed, and, any Public-spirited person can file a case (PIL) on behalf of a group of person, whose rights are affected. It is not necessary, that person filing a case should have a direct interest in this PIL.
e.g. a person in Mumbai can file a PIL for, some labor workers being exploited in Madhya Pradesh or as someone filed a PIL in supreme court for taking action against a Cracker factory in Sivakasi Tamilnadu, for employing child labor or the case where a standing practicing lawyer filed a PIL for release of 80 under trials in a jail, than the period prescribed as punishment for offence, for which they were tried. It is clear that, any person can file a PIL on behalf of group of affected people. However, it will depend on every facts of case, whether it should be allowed or not.
4. Against whom a PIL can be filed?
A PIL can be filed against a State/ Central Govt., Municipal Authorities, and not any private party. However, "Private party" can be included in the PIL as "Respondent", after making concerned state authority, a party. For example- if there is a Private factory in Delhi, which is causing pollution, then people living nearly or any other person can file a PIL against the Government of Delhi, Pollution Control Board, and against the private factory. However, a PIL cannot be filed against the Private party alone.
5. Can a Letter Explaining Facts to Chief Justice be treated as a PIL?
In early 90's there have been instances, where judges have treated a post card containing facts, as a PIL. Many PIL has been filed on this basis in the past. Since, many people have tried to misuse the privilege of PIL, the court has required a detailed narration of facts and complaint, and then decide whether to issue notice and call the opposite party. However, as there is no statute laying down rules and regulations for a PIL still the court can treat a letter as a PIL. However, the letter should bring the true and clear facts, and if the matter is really an urgent one, the court can treat it as a PIL. Even a writ petition filed by the aggrieved person, whether on behalf of group or together with group can be treated as a PIL.
6. What are the various reliefs available by PIL?
There are many kinds of remedies, which can be given in a PIL, to secure the public interest, at large. They are:
� The court can afford an early interim measure to protect the public interest,
� The court may appoint a committee, or commissioner to look into the matter and
� The court may also give final orders by way of direction to comply within a stipulated time.
Courtesy: Human Touch, March 2005.
Someday, somewhere, someone has to rise against the corruption and injustice done by public institutions. Let us be aware of our rights.
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