UPSC Prelims 2006 · General Studies
Question 124: Polity and Governance
Who was the Chief Justice of India when public interest litigation (PIL) was introduced to the Indian Judicial System?
AnswerThe answer is (d).
Public interest litigation was developed in the late 1970s and 1980s, when Justice P. N. Bhagwati, Chief Justice of India from 1985 to 1986, and Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer relaxed the rule of locus standi so that a person could petition on behalf of the poor and the disadvantaged. Bhagwati is the name the key links with it. Hidayatullah, Ahmadi and Anand held the office at other times.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Hidayatullah was Chief Justice from 1968 to 1970.
- (b) A. M. Ahmadi was Chief Justice from 1994 to 1997.
- (c) A. S. Anand was Chief Justice from 1998 to 2001.
- (d) Correct: P. N. Bhagwati is linked with introducing PIL.
Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2006, General Studies. UPSC's own paper isn't online; the words are from a published compilation. The paper on upsc.gov.in.