Who can file PIL in Supreme Court?
Asked by: Dr. Mabel Waelchi DVM | Last update: January 28, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (30 votes)
In India, any concerned citizen, individual, or organization can file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court (under Article 32) for matters affecting the public good, not just personal interest, ensuring justice for the marginalized by addressing issues like fundamental rights violations, environmental harm, or public grievances, with the court verifying the petitioner's credentials and the public nature of the cause.
What are the requirements for PIL?
Steps to be taken for filing a Writ Petition / PIL: Approach a public interest lawyer or organization to file the case. Collect necessary documents such as title deeds, proof of residence, identity proof, notice, resettlement policy if any, and photographs of the eviction.
Can anyone petition the Supreme Court?
Any party may file a petition for review of any Court of Appeal order or decision, as California Rules of Court, rule 8.500(a) provides.
What remedies can a Court order in a PIL?
Goals of PIL and remedies which can be sought
That solution or remedy could be one of the following: a ruling that expresses authoritative support for a group's argument or complaint. a legal order requiring a certain action to be taken. a legal order preventing or stopping an event or series of events from happening.
How much does it cost to file a petition in the US Supreme Court?
The petition must be accompanied by the $300 docket fee, payable to the Clerk of the United States Supreme Court, or by an application to proceed in forma pauperis.
PIL in Supreme Court (English)
How hard is it to get a case to the Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court receives about 10,000 petitions a year. The justices use the “Rule of Four” to decide if they will take the case. If four of the nine justices determine that a case has merit, they will issue a writ of certiorari.
Who is the highest paid judge in the United States?
The highest-paid judges in the U.S. are typically Federal Judges, especially Supreme Court Justices, followed by high-level state court judges in states like California and Illinois, with federal Chief Justice salary over $300k and state supreme justices nearing $300k, according to early 2024 data. State judges in California and Illinois consistently rank at the top for various court levels, while salaries vary significantly by state.
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.
Who is connected with PIL?
The correct answer is Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati are considered the pioneer of Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
What is a case of public interest?
Public interest litigation is litigation aimed at bringing about a positive change in law or policy on behalf of a wider class of people than the individual client. Public interest cases can be pro bono, legally aided, crowdfunded and/or at reduced rates.
What cannot be appealed?
While the jury's verdict (decision) itself can't be appealed, the judge's final judgment based on the jury's decision can be appealed. Judgment after a judge trial (without a jury). A judge may announce the decision in a written document, but this document itself cannot be appealed.
Who can override the Supreme Court?
A Supreme Court decision can be overturned by another Supreme Court ruling (a new case), a Constitutional Amendment, or if the ruling interpreted a federal statute, by Congress passing a new law. While the President can't overturn a decision directly, they influence future courts through appointments, and Congress can pass legislation to clarify or change laws interpreted by the Court.
What is the 8.500 rule?
(1) A petition for review must be served and filed within 10 days after the Court of Appeal decision is final in that court. For purposes of this rule, the date of finality is not extended if it falls on a day on which the office of the clerk/executive officer is closed.
How long does a PIL case take?
Some personal injury cases take a few months to settle. Complicated personal injury claims may take a year or longer to settle. If the victim files a personal injury lawsuit, it could take several years to reach a settlement or go to trial.
What are PIL guidelines?
No petition involving individual/ personal matter shall be entertained as a PIL matter except as indicated hereinafter. Letter-petitions falling under the following categories alone will ordinarily be. entertained as Public Interest Litigation:- 1. Bonded Labour matters.
Who is more powerful, DM or high court judge?
A Judge is appointed by the President of India, whereas the Magistrate is appointed by the High Courts. A Judge has more powers than a Magistrate.
How effective is PIL in promoting justice?
PIL can achieve meaningful reforms of policies and laws which breach human rights standards or constitutional provisions. A specific case can challenge an unjust policy, law or procedure and can lead to systemic legal change from which all citizens may benefit.
What is the role of PIL in Indian judiciary?
Significance of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India
It democratizes access to justice for all. Any citizen/agency who is capable can file petitions on behalf of those who cannot or do not have the means to do so. It helps in judicially monitoring state institutions like prisons, asylums, protective homes, etc.
What is the most famous PIL case in India?
Hussainara Khatoon vs. State of Bihar case(1979): It was the first reported instance of PIL, which brought attention to the inhuman conditions of prisoners and under-trial prisoners. This case established the right to speedy justice as a basic fundamental right.
What is a public interest lawyer?
Public interest law is a branch of law dedicated to representing and advocating for the rights and interests of individuals or groups that are typically underrepresented or marginalized in society. It focuses on advancing justice and the public good.
What does PIL stand for?
PIL most commonly stands for Public Interest Litigation, a legal action brought to protect public welfare, or Patient Information Leaflet, the informational insert with medicine. In other contexts, it can mean Photo in Lieu (financial transactions) or refer to a university's Pedagogical and Interactive Learning unit, but it's usually related to law or medicine.
Why do we use PIL?
PIL has been used to improve the living circumstances of those who are marginalized, including convicts, slum dwellers, and bonded laborers, as well as to defend their rights. It is employed to protect the interests of groups for whose basic rights have been established.
What is the president's salary?
The U.S. President receives a $400,000 annual salary, a rate set in 2001, plus a $50,000 expense account for official duties, a $100,000 non-taxable travel account, and $19,000 for entertainment, along with perks like housing, healthcare, and security, though some presidents donate their salary.
Do Supreme Court justices get salary for life?
A judge may choose to retire from the office entirely (as I have done), at which point they no longer hold the office of federal judge or justice but continue to be paid an annuity equal to their salary at the time of their retirement.
Who is the most powerful judge in the USA?
The most powerful judge in the United States is generally considered to be the Chief Justice of the United States, currently John G. Roberts, Jr., because he leads the Supreme Court, heads the entire federal judiciary, and holds significant influence in shaping legal precedent and the Court's direction, even if his vote is just one of nine. His power comes from judicial leadership, managing close cases, and influencing the institutional reputation of the Supreme Court.