“Public interest Litigation” or PIL is a litigation filed in a court of law, for the protection of “Public Interest”, such as pollution, terrorism, road safety, constructional hazards etc.

PIL can be filed for the following reasons:

1. Violation of basic human rights of the poor.
2. Content or conduct of government policy.
3. Compel municipal authorities to perform a public duty.
4. Violation of religious rights or other basic fundamental rights.
5. Any individual or organisation can file a PIL in the High Court or the Supreme.
6. Court on behalf of those whose rights are being violated. It is not necessary, that the person filing a case should have a direct interest in the case.