Workshop on Public Interest Litigation:Brainware University 2020

Creating a more equal legal system

Public Interest Litigations are important provisions for providing legal aid to the socially disadvantaged. PILs are introduced in court to protect the interest of the public. To inform students about PIL related legal provisions and prepare them for a legal career, the Department of Law organised a workshop on Public Interest Litigation: Reflection on Human Rights Jurisprudence on January 18, 2020 at 4:00 PM. Mr. Vikramjit Banerjee (Ld.Additional Solicitor General of India (ASGI), Ld.Senior Counsel of Supreme Court and former Advocate General of Nagaland) was the guest speaker for the workshop.

Mr Vikramjit Banerjee started the discussion by informing students about the origin of PIL in India and its role to transform the judiciary into a fairer institution for all. “The concept of public interest litigation as against the rule of locus was evolved by our courts in the 1980s to help the weaker sections of society, who due to their poverty, ignorance and illiteracy often could not access legal services,” he said.

The students were introduced to some landmark PIL cases in India. “ Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan is one of the most iconic cases in India. It recognised for the first time that sexual violation was a complete denigration of the fundamental human rights of an individual,” he said.

The session concluded with Mr Banerjee answering students’ queries regarding job opportunities in the legal world. “For aspiring lawyers the best way to increase your career prospects is to keep up to date with the latest legislation and volunteer at legal aid camps,” he advised.