This document discusses public interest litigation (PIL) in India. PIL allows individuals or organizations to file lawsuits in court to protect public interests. It aims to provide legal representation for underrepresented groups like the poor, minorities, and those advocating for environmental protection. Notable early PIL cases helped release thousands of under-trial prisoners and established the right to speedy justice. Later PIL cases addressed issues like bonded labor, worker exploitation, pollution, and sexual harassment. PIL has helped protect people's fundamental rights and forced the government to better uphold its constitutional obligations.