Public Interest Litigation — Landmark Judgments
Landmark Judgments
S.P. Gupta v. Union of India
1981This foundational case revolutionized the concept of locus standi in Indian jurisprudence and established the philosophical and legal foundation for Public Interest Litigation.…
Bandhua Mukti Morcha v. Union of India
1984This landmark case demonstrated PIL's potential as a tool for protecting the rights of the most vulnerable sections of society. The case involved the liberation of bonded laborers…
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (Oleum Gas Leak Case)
1987This case established the principle of absolute liability for hazardous industries and demonstrated PIL's role in environmental protection. Following the Bhopal gas tragedy, the…
Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan
1997This groundbreaking case demonstrated PIL's capacity to fill legislative gaps and create binding legal frameworks in the absence of specific legislation. Following the gang rape…
Common Cause v. Union of India (Right to Die with Dignity)
2018This recent landmark case recognized the right to die with dignity as part of the right to life under Article 21 and legalized passive euthanasia and living wills in India. The…
Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation
1985This case established the right to livelihood as an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 and demonstrated PIL's role in protecting the rights of urban poor. The…
Aruna Ramachandra Shanbaug v. Union of India
2011This case addressed the complex issue of euthanasia in the Indian context and laid down guidelines for passive euthanasia. The case involved Aruna Shanbaug, who was in a…
T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India
1996-ongoingThis is one of the longest-running PIL cases in Indian legal history, dealing with forest conservation and environmental protection across the country. The case has resulted in…