Supreme Court Questions Misuse of PILs, Calls Them ‘Private’ and ‘Political Interest Litigations’

Supreme Court has raised concerns over misuse of Public Interest Litigations, stating many now serve private, political, or publicity motives rather than genuine public welfare, during a key constitutional hearing.

New Delhi | May 6, 2026:
In a significant observation, the Supreme Court has expressed concern over the growing misuse of Public Interest Litigations (PILs), remarking that many such petitions are increasingly being driven by private, political, or financial interests rather than genuine public causes.

The remarks were made during the hearing of a batch of petitions related to religious freedoms, including issues surrounding the Sabarimala temple in Kerala. A nine-judge Constitution bench noted that PILs, originally intended to ensure justice for the underprivileged, are now often being misused for publicity or ulterior motives.

The bench observed that such litigations are turning into “Private Interest Litigations,” “Publicity Interest Litigations,” “Money Interest Litigations,” and “Political Interest Litigations.” It further questioned the intent behind certain petitions, suggesting that some should have been dismissed at the initial stage itself.

Referring to the 2018 verdict, where a five-judge bench allowed entry of women aged between 10 and 50 into the Sabarimala temple, the court revisited the broader issue of how PILs are being filed and pursued.

During the hearing, the court also questioned the Indian Young Lawyers Association, asking whether they considered themselves “chief priests of the country,” indicating concern over overreach through legal interventions. The bench emphasized that legal processes should not be misused and that organizations must focus on their core objectives instead of filing unnecessary litigations.

The court’s remarks highlight a growing concern within the judiciary about maintaining the sanctity of PILs. Introduced as a tool to ensure access to justice for marginalized sections, PILs now risk losing credibility if misused.

The development underscores the need for stricter scrutiny of such petitions to preserve the integrity of the judicial system and ensure that PILs continue to serve their original purpose of public welfare.

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