Q. Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Public Interest Litigation in India is essential for the rule of law.
Reason (R): Public Interest Litigation provides effective access of Justice to socially and economically weaker sections.
Select the correct answer from the code given below :
a) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
b) (A) is false, but (R) is true
c) (A) is true, but (R) is false
d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Correct Answer: d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2025
Explanation:
Assertion (A) is true: In India, PIL has evolved as a key judicial tool to enforce constitutional and legal norms, ensure governmental accountability, and remedy systemic rights violations—functions central to maintaining the rule of law. The Supreme Court has explicitly linked PIL to ensuring observance of the rule of law and constitutional governance (e.g., Balwant Singh Chaufal, 2010).
Reason (R) is true: PIL broadened locus standi and adopted flexible procedures (including epistolary jurisdiction and continuing mandamus), thereby giving effective access to justice to socially and economically weaker sections who otherwise could not approach courts (e.g., Hussainara Khatoon on undertrials; Bandhua Mukti Morcha on bonded labour; S.P. Gupta on relaxed standing). This aligns with Article 39A’s mandate of equal justice and free legal aid.
R correctly explains A: Effective access to justice for all—especially the marginalized—is a core component of the rule of law. By enabling such access and facilitating enforcement of rights against state inaction or illegality, PIL becomes essential to realizing the rule of law in the Indian context.
