A PIL is filed like any other writ petition. In some cases, the SC considers complaint letters addressed to it as PIL. When a PIL is filed in a State High Court, two copies of the petition need to be filed; and if the issue is raised in the Supreme Court, 5 sets need to be filed. Moreover, an advance copy of the PIL needs to be served to the respondent(s).

The proceedings of a PIL are similar to that of other civil cases. One need not hire an advocate to present a public interest litigation case. The Advocates Act (Section 32) empowers an individual to represent self as well as someone else in the court. To support the protection of fundamental rights of Indians, the Supreme Court encourages the filing of PIL, particularly in addressing grave public issues related to violation of human rights and environment.

Any person can file a PIL provided:

-He is a member of the public acting bona fide and having sufficient interest in instituting an action for redressal of public wrong o ...more