Public Interest Litigation: How To File A PIL In India?

The phrase has gained widespread recognition in the context of current events. There are an end number of PILs being filed. However, are you aware of what a public interest litigation is? How may a PIL be filed? Who is eligible to submit a PIL? Here is everything you need to know about PIL before choosing to start the procedure. Any issue or policy of the government may be bothering you and may have long-term effects on the general public. These problems have the potential to undermine the general welfare and produce intolerable circumstances involving corruption, abuse, and violations of constitutional rights, among other things. PIL is the answer for you if you are a socially aware citizen. Using PIL, a potent legal weapon, you can try to correct the system.

What is the process for initiating a Public Interest Litigation in India? How does one go about filing a PIL?

What is litigation in the public interest?

It has to do with public interest, as the name implies. PILs, according to Wikipedia, are lawsuits filed to protect the public interest and show that socially disadvantaged persons can obtain justice.

Who Is Eligible to File a PIL?

An individual, a group of citizens, or a non-governmental organization may submit a PIL. The offended party need not be the only one who files a PIL. Any citizen may submit a PIL. Only the requirement that it be submitted in the public interest rather than for personal benefit will be enforced. The Honorable Court may even take suo moto cognizance if the issue is really important.

Where Do I File a PIL?

 The writ petition is extended by a PIL. There are two Articles that regulate the filing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India. One may file a Public Interest Litigation in either the Supreme Court or the High Court. Article 226 of the Constitution allows you to bring a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the High Court, while Article 32 allows you to file a PIL before the Supreme Court of India. If you are submitting a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court, you must file five copies of the PIL. The respondents will only receive copies of the PIL when the court notifies them of it.

However, you must serve a copy of the PIL to the respondents beforehand and provide two copies when filing a PIL in the High Court.

                                                  Read also:-   How Indian law works.

How Can a Public Interest Litigation Be Filed?

What is required in order to file a PIL? Which papers are needed in order to submit a PIL?

PIL filing is not as difficult as you may believe. To voice your concerns, you can send a straightforward letter or postcard to the Chief Justice of India or the Chief Justice of the High Court. However, if you can, it is preferable to follow the correct procedure. To file a Public Interest Litigation, you can do the following main actions. Compile all of the relevant facts about the problem.

- Make sure all the documents are compiled.

- Choose the court where you wish to file. 

- Send a PIL to the Chief Justice of the High Court in question in order to file it. 

- It should be addressed to the Chief Justice of India if it is being filed in the Supreme Court. 

- Two copies shall be submitted while filing it in the High Court, and the respondents should also receive a copy beforehand. 

- When the PIL is in the Supreme Court, five copies should be filed, and the respondents won't receive a copy until the court notifies them of it.

- Before filing a PIL, get advice from a qualified and experienced attorney since this can help you avoid wasting time on pointless stuff.

Documents Needed for PIL Filing

 The petitioner must include their name, occupation, yearly income, PAN number, phone number, email address, and postal address.

 - The petitioner's identification must be annexed. 

 - List names and addresses of all aggrieved parties.

 - List names and addresses of respondents or government agencies from which relief is sought by the petitioner.

 - Facts of the issue or case leading to fundamental rights violation

 - Nature of violation or injury

 - Any personal interest she/he/it may have.

 - The petitioner should also clarify about whether they will be able to pay the costs in case the court may impose any.

Can I file a PIL without a lawyer?

You have two options for presenting the case: in person or by hiring a Public Interest attorney. Hiring a lawyer to file a PIL, however, will be a smart move."

What is the required amount of money to file a PIL? 

The cost of filing a PIL is very low. A court fee of Rs 50 for each respondent must be paid by the petitioner and attached to the petition. Nonetheless, the expenses incurred to defend a case differ for each counsel. But be sure this isn't a pointless PIL before filing it. You might be charged by the court for wasting its time if you don't.

You are able to file a PIL

- For violating the fundamental human rights of underprivileged and impoverished individuals. 

- Policies of the government may impact social fairness, cause corruption, or violate    human rights.

- To force municipal officials to carry out their fundamental responsibilities. 

- Religious or fundamental rights violations

PILs cannot be filed for 

- Issues pertaining to services. 

- Issues pertaining to pay, pensions, gratuities, etc. 

- Tenant-landlord issues. complaints against local, state, and federal government agencies that do not involve matters covered by the Supreme Court's standards.

-  Issues concerning enrollment in educational establishments. 

-  Petitions asking the High Court and other courts to hold early hearings.

In conclusion, This is the process for bringing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), and we hope that the information above answers all of your questions. A PIL should always contain the public interest to address the right issue and should not waste the court's time, thus whomever wishes to start should keep that in mind.