Question

Given below are two statements, one labelled as Assertion (A) and the other labelled as Reason (R)
.Assertion (A): The concept of "locus standi" is relaxed in PIL cases.
Reason (R): PIL allows any public-spirited person to approach the court on behalf of those who cannot represent themselves.
Which of the following is correct?

• 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, and (R) is true.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Assertion (A): The concept of ”locus standi” (standing) is indeed relaxed in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) cases. Traditionally, only those directly affected by an issue could bring a legal action. However, in PIL cases, the court allows public-spirited individuals to raise matters of public concern even if they are not directly affected.
Reason (R): This statement correctly explains the rationale behind the relaxed locus standi in PIL cases. It recognizes that many marginalized or disadvantaged groups may not have the resources or capacity to represent themselves in court. Therefore, PIL allows individuals or groups to act as ”public interest watchdogs” and bring issues of public concern to the attention of the court.
Therefore, both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) provides the correct explanation for Assertion (A).