Question

The phrase "file a PIL, ostensibly in public interest but, in fact, to serve personal or private interests" means -

• A. filing PIL for protection of only public interest
• B. filing PIL for protection of both public and private interest
• C. filing PIL for protection of only private interest
• D. filing PIL alleging it to be in public interest but actually seeking protection of private interest

Hint:

'Ostensibly' is the key word, meaning 'for show'. The phrase describes a fake or motivated PIL where a private fight is disguised as a public cause.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The phrase describes a misuse of Public Interest Litigation (PIL). 'Ostensibly' means 'apparently' or 'on the surface'. So, the phrase means that on the surface, the PIL appears to be for a public cause, but its real, hidden motive ('in fact') is to advance a personal or private agenda. This could be a business rivalry, a personal grudge, or for publicity. Such PILs are considered an abuse of the process of the court. Option (d) perfectly captures this meaning of a hidden private motive behind the facade of public interest.