Public interest Litigation, in simple words, means, litigation filed in a court of law, for the protection of "Public Interest". Historically Public Interest Litigation was conceived as a tool by an alive, active and innovative judiciary to provide justice to the under privileged. This tool was as such conceived and nurtured as a new method and strategy by the Court to provide access to justice to people who were denied their basic human rights. It is an established fact that Public Interest Litigation strengthens the rule of law, furthers the cause of justice, helps in securing civil liberties and accelerates the pace of realization of the constitutional objectives. Bearing in mind the power and importance of PIL in making the Constitution a living reality for a large number of citizens, it is important to view the criticisms on PIL as indicators of the safeguards and checks.

The International Judicial Conference 2012 will provide a forum to discuss and understand a global version of Public Interest Litigation; to review the existing role of judiciary in protecting fundamental rights and to share suggestion regarding the 'Way Forward' in achieving the goals of this dynamic jurisdiction.