Question

Assertion (A): Any public-spirited person can file petition or write letters to court on behalf of aggrieved persons.
Reason (R): Courts have liberalized the doctrine of locus standi of the enforcement of fundamental rights through Public Interest Litigations (PILs).

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Hint:

PILs allow citizens to approach courts on behalf of others; this is possible due to liberal interpretation of locus standi by Indian judiciary.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is a judicial innovation in India that allows any concerned individual or group to file a petition on behalf of those whose fundamental rights are being violated but who may not be able to approach the court themselves.
The doctrine of locus standi (right to be heard) was traditionally strict—only directly affected individuals could approach the court. However, Indian courts have relaxed this principle to allow public-spirited individuals to represent disadvantaged groups. This liberalization of locus standi is the foundation of PILs and has empowered courts to deliver justice to marginalized and voiceless populations.
Assertion (A): True — anyone acting in public interest can file a PIL.
Reason (R): True — the courts have made locus standi more flexible to facilitate this.
Explanation: Since (R) explains (A), option (A) is correct.