Who was the Chief Justice of India when public interest litigation (PIL) was introduced to the Indian Judicial System?

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P.N. Bhagwati. Public interest Litigation (PIL) means litigation filed in a court of law for the protection of ‘Public Interest’ such as pollution, terrorism, road safety, constructional hazards etc. Any matter where the interest of public at large is affected can be redressed by filing a Public Interest Litigation in a court of law. Public interest litigation is not defined in any statute or in any Act. It has been interpreted by Judges to consider the intent of public at large. The term ‘PIL’ originated in the United States. PIL had begun in India towards the end of 1970s and came into full bloom in the 80s. In 1986, the then Chief Justice of India, Justice P.N. Bhagwati introduced public interest litigation (PIL) to the Indian judicial system. It is always considered as an outcome of “Judicial Activism”. Any public spirited citizen can move/approach the court for the public cause (in the interest of the public or public welfare) by filing a petition in Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution and in High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution.

Who was the Chief Justice of India when public interest litigation (PIL) was introduced to the Indian Judicial System?

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