It relaxed the rule of locus standi, allowing any individual to file a petition on behalf of others.
Explanation
Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was introduced by the Supreme Court of India in the early 1980s as a strategic arm of the legal aid movement. It was championed by justices like Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer and Justice P.N. Bhagwati. The primary objective was to make justice accessible to the poor, marginalized, and socially disadvantaged sections of society who were unable to approach the courts due to poverty or ignorance.
Option Analysis:
- It made legal procedures more complex and expensive for the poor. is Incorrect: PIL was designed to make legal procedures simpler, faster, and less expensive. The courts even accepted letters or telegrams as writ petitions (epistolary jurisdiction), thereby reducing procedural formalities and costs.
- It allowed the executive branch to interfere in judicial appointments. is Incorrect: The introduction of PIL did not grant the executive branch power over judicial appointments. It was strictly a judicial innovation regarding the access to justice and the enforcement of rights.
- It relaxed the rule of locus standi, allowing any individual to file a petition on behalf of others. is Correct: The most significant change brought by PIL was the relaxation of the traditional rule of locus standi. Under the traditional rule, only the person whose rights were infringed could file a petition. PIL allowed any public-spirited citizen or social organization to move the court for the enforcement of the rights of any person or group who, because of poverty or socially disadvantaged position, was unable to approach the court.
- It restricted the power of the Supreme Court to review legislative acts. is Incorrect: PIL did not restrict the power of judicial review. On the contrary, it expanded the scope of judicial intervention in matters of public importance and governance to ensure the rule of law and constitutional compliance.
Key Takeaway:
The defining feature of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is the relaxation of locus standi, enabling third parties to seek judicial redressal for the violation of the fundamental rights of others.