GK Question

polity medium mcq

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) promotes ethical governance by enabling courts to address systemic violations of rights affecting marginalized groups. Which case pioneered PIL in India?

  1. Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)
  2. S.P. Gupta case (1981)
  3. Vishaka case (1997)
  4. Bandhua Mukti Morcha case (1984)

Answer: S.P. Gupta case (1981)

S.P. Gupta v. Union of India (First Judges Case, 1981): SC relaxed locus standi rule, allowing any public-spirited person to file petition for enforcement of rights of persons unable to approach court due to poverty, ignorance, or social disadvantage. PIL transformed judicial role: (a) From dispute resolution to social justice delivery, (b) Enabled courts to address prison conditions, environmental degradation, bonded labour, etc. Constitutional Morality requires judiciary to be accessible to all, especially the marginalized.

Topic Ethical Governance - Public Interest Litigation
Exam Relevance PIL evolution and access to justice question frequently asked in UPSC and SSC exams
More in polity Back to all questions