Given below are two statements. Read them carefully and choose the correct answer with the help of given options.
Statement (I): Public Interest Litigations have increased the power of the judiciary to protect the rights of the citizens.
Statement (II): There was a case in the Supreme Court regarding undertrial prisoners which became famous as the first Public Interest Litigation.

Correct option is D

Correct Answer: (D) Both Statement (I) and Statement (II) are true.
Explanation:
→ Statement (I) Public Interest Litigations (PILs) have played a significant role in enhancing the power of the judiciary in India, enabling the courts to address issues related to human rights, environmental concerns, and the welfare of marginalized groups. PILs empower any citizen to approach the court on behalf of those whose rights are being violated, even if they are not directly involved. This has led to greater judicial activism and has expanded the scope of judicial intervention in public affairs.
→ Statement (II) refers to the famous case of Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar (1979), which is widely regarded as the first PIL. The case highlighted the plight of undertrial prisoners who were languishing in jail for years without trial. The Supreme Court took suo-motu cognizance of this case and initiated the PIL process to address the issue, marking a significant shift in the legal landscape.
→ Therefore, both statements are true. Statement (I) correctly describes the influence of PILs on the judiciary, and Statement (II) accurately refers to the case that is often considered the first PIL in India.
Information Booster:
→ PILs enable individuals or organizations to file a petition on behalf of those who are unable to approach the court themselves, such as disadvantaged or marginalized groups.
→ The Hussainara Khatoon case led to the release of several undertrial prisoners and marked the beginning of PILs as a tool for judicial intervention in social justice issues.
→ PILs have contributed to addressing issues such as environmental protection, education, healthcare, and the rights of prisoners.
→ The Supreme Court has used PILs to enforce the Directive Principles of State Policy, which are non-justiciable but guide the government in ensuring social and economic justice.
→ PILs have made the judiciary more accessible to the public and have become a critical mechanism for upholding fundamental rights and freedoms.
→ Landmark PIL cases in India have included those on pollution control, child labor, and the right to food, among others.