Work

The Role of Public Interest Litigation in India: From Locus Standi to Epistolary Jurisdiction

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India stands as one of the most remarkable legal innovations in modern constitutional democracy. Unlike traditional adversary litigation, where two private parties fight over personal rights and damages, PIL transformed the judiciary into an accessible forum for social justice. It redefined the relationship between the citizen, the state, and the Supreme Court of India. By relaxing rigid procedural requirements and pioneering the concept of epistolary jurisdiction, the Indian judiciary expanded access to justice for millions of underprivileged, marginalised, and voiceless citizens.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.23925267

Author: Nikky Singh

Institution: Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Language: English

Topic: Judicial and Constitutional Studies

Subfield: Law

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7225168898

FWCI:

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