CJI Laments PIL Has Become ‘Personal Interest Litigation’, Used To Terrorise Public Authorities

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New Delhi: Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been turned into ‘Personal Interest Litigation’, lamented Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana.

“Well-meaning intentions behind Public Interest Litigation (PIL) are misused as it has turned into ‘Personal Interest Litigation’ to stall projects and terrorise public authorities. It has become a tool to settle scores with political and corporate rivals,” the CJI said at a joint conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts.

In a scathing comment, Ramana said litigation often results due to non-performance of governments and inaction of legislatures, which are avoidable.

He suggested the law should be made after thorough debates and discussions incorporating the needs and aspirations of all stakeholders.

“Decisions of court are not implemented by governments for years. There’s deliberate inaction despite judicial pronouncements that are not good for country. Although policymaking is not our domain, if a citizen comes to us with their grievances then court cannot refuse,” Ramana remarked.

“We must be mindful of ‘Laxman Rekha’… judiciary will never come in way of governance if it’s as per law. If municipalities, gram panchayats perform duties, if police investigate properly and illegal custodial torture comes to end, people need not have to look to courts,” the CJI said.