A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed in the Supreme Court of India under Article 32 of the Constitution for enforcement of fundamental rights when the issue affects the general public or a disadvantaged section of society. Here’s a step-by-step guide: 1. Who Can File a PIL? - Any public-spirited person, NGO, lawyer, or citizen (including non-victims) can file it. - The petitioner must act in public interest, not for personal gain or publicity. 2. Grounds for Filing a PIL in Supreme Court - Violation of fundamental rights of a group/community - Issues affecting poor, underprivileged, or marginalized sections - Environmental degradation - Government inaction or misuse of power 3. Procedure to File a PIL in the Supreme Court a. Drafting the Petition - Write a petition under Article 32, clearly stating: - Facts of the case - Public interest involved - Fundamental rights violated - Reliefs sought b. Supporting Documents - Attach all necessary documents, reports, photographs, affidavits, etc. - An affidavit (sworn statement) verifying the facts must accompany the petition. c. Filing the Petition - Submit the PIL in the Supreme Court Registry. - If the petitioner is not a lawyer, it can still be filed by: - Engaging a Supreme Court advocate, or - Writing a letter to the Chief Justice of India (if the matter is urgent or the petitioner lacks legal help) d. Court Fee - No court fee is required for filing a PIL. - However, printing and documentation charges may apply. e. Listing and Hearing - The court examines the petition. If found valid, it is listed for hearing. - The court may admit the petition, issue notices to the government/authorities, and monitor the case. 4. Letter PIL - In special cases, a simple letter addressed to the Chief Justice highlighting a public grievance can be treated as a PIL if the issue is serious (e.g., bonded labor, custodial death, environmental harm).