What is the difference between PIL and SLP?

Asked by: Asia Batz  |  Last update: May 1, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (67 votes)

The key difference is that PIL (Public Interest Litigation) is for public welfare, allowing anyone to sue for the marginalized or public good, while SLP (Special Leave Petition) is for individual appeals, letting someone challenge a lower court's decision in the Supreme Court when no other appeal exists, focusing on substantial legal questions or grave injustice. PILs expand access to justice for groups, whereas SLPs provide a final, extraordinary route for individuals to correct errors.

What is the time limit for SLP?

A Special leave Petition (SLP) can be filed within: 90 days from the date of judgement/order/decree by a Court or Tribunal; Or. Within 60 days against the order of the High Court refusing to grant the certificate of fitness for appeal to Supreme Court.

What is SLP filed in Supreme Court of India?

In India, Special Leave Petitions (SLP) holds a prime place in the Judiciary of India, and has been provided as a residual power in the hands of Supreme Court of India to be exercised only in cases when any substantial question of law is involved, or gross injustice has been done.

Who does PIL stand for?

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) implies litigation for the protection of public interests. This is an important concept in law and polity and is often seen in the news. Hence, it acquires importance for the IAS exam. In this article, you can read all about PILs in India.

What is the scope of SLP in India?

It provides litigants an extraordinary opportunity to approach the Supreme Court of India directly against judgments, decrees, or orders passed by lower courts or tribunals. By filing a Special Leave Petition in Supreme Court, an aggrieved party can seek justice even when no ordinary right of appeal exists.

Difference between Case,suit,writ and SLP

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What are the advantages of an SLP?

One of the main speech-language pathologist job benefits is the possibility of making an enduring impact on patient lives. Research indicates that providing speech therapy may give patients: Enhanced self-confidence. Greater independence.

Is SLP maintainable or not?

The Supreme Court held that a second Special Leave Petition (SLP) is not maintainable once an earlier SLP has been dismissed and a subsequent review before the High Court has also failed, unless the Court has expressly granted liberty to approach it again.

What is the scope of PIL in India?

PILs are filed in the courts to safeguard group interests, not individual interests. It can be filed only in the Supreme Court of India or the State High Courts under the Constitution of India to protect public rights and promote general welfare.

What is an example of a PIL?

As the term suggests, PIL describes legal action that is taken in order to advance a “good cause” or issue of public importance. Examples could include cases brought to: improve the human rights situation in a region. advance women's rights.

What are some famous PIL cases in India?

Here are some landmark cases related to PIL:

  • Hussainara Khatoon vs. Home Secretary, State of Bihar on 9 March, 1979. ...
  • Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan on 13 August, 1997. ...
  • MC Mehta vs. Union of India on 20 December, 1986. ...
  • Bandhua Mukti Morcha vs. ...
  • Olga Tellis vs. ...
  • Javed vs. ...
  • Parmanand Katara vs.

What are the grounds for filing an SLP?

Understanding Special Leave Petition (SLP)

The court only admits an SLP if it finds a substantial question of law, a grave injustice, or a clear violation of fundamental rights that needs its intervention. It is generally the last resort for those who have exhausted all other legal remedies in lower courts.

What are the 7 steps in a civil case in India?

A civil court case usually consists of the following seven steps: (1) Filing of plaint by the plaintiff; (2) Issuance of summons to the defendant: (3) Written statement of the defendant; (4) Framing of issues by the court; (5) Presentation of evidence and examination of witnesses by the parties; (6) Final arguments; (7 ...

Can I still appeal after 30 days?

You generally cannot file an appeal after 30 days because it's a strict deadline, but exceptions exist for specific cases, like certain federal employment appeals (USERRA has no limit) or if you missed the deadline due to "excusable neglect" (like a medical emergency or disaster), requiring a motion for an extension, though it's rarely granted and requires strong justification. Missing the deadline usually means losing your right to appeal forever, so acting fast and seeking legal advice is crucial. 

Can I claim land after 12 years in India?

Under Section 65 of the Limitation Act 1963, an individual who remains in continuous and uninterrupted possession of immovable property for 12 years may claim ownership if the rightful owner does not assert their title within this period.

What is the 6 year limitation period?

The Limitation Act says that the limitation period for simple contract debts is six years. The cause of action (when the limitation period starts running) for simple contract debts is usually when your agreement says the creditor is able to take court action against you.

Can Supreme Court rulings be overturned?

When the Supreme Court rules on a constitutional issue, that judgment is virtually final; its decisions can be altered only by the rarely used procedure of constitutional amendment or by a new ruling of the Court. However, when the Court interprets a statute, new legislative action can be taken.

Can PIL be misused?

PIL can also be abused for political ends. This occurs when a political party or organization files a PIL in order to increase political clout. A PIL, for example, could be filed in response to an unpopular government policy. Alternatively, a PIL may be launched against a political opponent in order to humiliate them.

What are the grounds for filing a PIL?

The basis of a PIL is to bring to the attention of the courts any matter that affects the public interest, and it is not necessary that the person filing the PIL has any direct or personal interest in the matter. A PIL can be filed not only to address civil wrongs but also constitutional rights.

Who is the PIL man of India?

Public interest litigations. Upadhyay is known for regularly filing PILs on a wide range of issues. He has been called the PIL Man of India and has a unique distinction of filing over 50 PILs in a span of 5 years.

Who is PIL filed against?

A PIL may be filed against state government, central government, municipal authority. Also, private person may be included in PIL as 'Respondent', after concerned of state authority.

Why is PIL so important?

Understanding PIL in Simple Words

PIL gives ordinary people the power to take issues of public importance directly to the courts. Whether it's environmental protection, women's safety, education, or healthcare, PIL ensures that the voices of the many cannot be ignored.

When did the PIL start?

In India, the PIL is a product of the judicial activism role of the Supreme Court. It was introduced in the early 1980s. Justice V R Krishna Iyer and Justice P N Bhagwati were the pioneers of the concept of PIL. PIL had begun in India towards the end of the 1970s and came into full bloom in the 1980s.

What do you mean by SLP?

SLP stands for Speech-Language Pathologist, a professional who diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing disorders in people of all ages, from infants to the elderly, working on issues like speech sounds, language comprehension, social communication, voice, and fluency (stuttering). They help with conditions affecting speech, language, and swallowing, often after events like strokes, brain injuries, or developmental delays.
 

How is an SLP different from a regular appeal?

SLP = Discretionary remedy, the Supreme Court may or may not grant leave. Appeal = Statutory right, if conditions are fulfilled, you have the right to appeal.

What cases can be appealed to the Supreme Court?

As a general matter, today's version provides that the Supreme Court may review appeals from “final judgments” issued “by the highest court of a State in which a decision could be had” that raise a question under the same three areas of federal law. This statute applies to both civil and criminal appeals.