The Supreme Court of India has expressed strong disapproval over the misuse of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), terming it as 'Paisa Interest Litigation' and 'Political Interest Litigation'. The observation came during a hearing on a PIL filed by an NGO, where the bench remarked that the original intent of PILs has been diluted over time.
Court's Stance on PIL Abuse
A bench comprising Justices S.K. Kaul and A.S. Oka stated that the concept of PIL was introduced to provide justice to the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society, but it has now become a tool for personal or political gains. The judges noted that many petitions are filed with ulterior motives, seeking publicity or settling scores.
Examples of Misuse
The court pointed out that several PILs are filed without any genuine public interest, often backed by private interests or political agendas. Such petitions, the bench said, waste judicial time and clog the system, preventing genuine cases from being heard promptly.
Justice Kaul remarked, 'PIL has become Paisa Interest Litigation and Political Interest Litigation. The original purpose has been lost.' The court emphasized that it would not hesitate to impose costs on frivolous PILs to deter such practices.
Need for Stringent Guidelines
The Supreme Court has in the past laid down guidelines to prevent the misuse of PILs, but the problem persists. The bench stressed the need for stricter scrutiny at the initial stage itself to filter out petitions that lack bona fide public interest. It also called upon the legal fraternity to act responsibly and not encourage frivolous litigation.
Impact on Genuine Petitioners
The misuse of PILs not only burdens the judiciary but also affects those who genuinely need its intervention. The court's remarks serve as a warning to those who attempt to exploit the system for personal or political benefits. Legal experts believe that this strong stance may help restore the credibility of PILs as a tool for social justice.
