Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Driving Systemic Change
I use Public Interest Litigation as a tool to hold the system accountable. From enforcing fire safety norms to fighting for the dignity of manual scavengers, my work is about ensuring justice is not just a word, but a reality on the ground.
This short documentary clip shows the reality for the families of manual scavengers. We filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court to address the numerous deaths of sewage workers in Mumbai. This is a fight against a deplorable practice and for the dignity and lives of the most vulnerable.
Here I am with Bani, a widow who lost her husband while he was cleaning a septic tank. She recalls being lied to about her husband's "accident." Through our foundation, Rann Samar, we gave her the courage and legal support to fight for justice.
I recount the story that led me to fight for the rights of sanitation workers. After reading about a man with a 20-day-old baby who died cleaning a septic tank for a thousand rupees, my daughter and I decided to take up their case for free. This is a fight against the stark poverty and inequality in our country.
Speaking on the Ghatkopar hoarding collapse, a man-made disaster that claimed 15 lives. I point out the blatant corruption, as the hoarding was over twice the permissible height. I demand accountability not just from the contractor but from the BMC and GRP officials who gave the license and profited from it.
Working with my client on our PIL for accessibility in public spaces. Our mission is to ensure that basic infrastructure like ramps, accessible transport, and handicap-friendly restrooms are mandatory in all new constructions across India. This is a fight for the fundamental right to movement for all citizens.
This newspaper clipping from the Times of India covers our PIL against the state government's delay in implementing fire safety rules. The High Court took a strong stand, warning it might halt all building approvals in Mumbai, showing the power of legal action in forcing government accountability.
Brainstorming with top IAS officers Pravin Pardesi and Sujata Saunik to frame new fire safety guidelines for our PIL. Collaborating with dedicated bureaucrats is key to creating effective policies that will be presented to the Bombay High Court to make Mumbai safer.
A post from our fire safety meeting, where IAS officer Sujata Saunik volunteered her expertise. This collaboration between legal activists and government officials is a powerful force for positive change. With her as Chief Secretary, I am hopeful for faster progress.
An article I wrote for Mumbai Mirror on how developers have exploited government policies to destroy Mumbai's green spaces. The Supreme Court calls these open spaces our "lungs," and I am committed to using the law to protect them from illegal encroachment.
A victory in court that impacts thousands of residents. This post highlights our case where a Mumbai court restrained a housing society from charging maintenance on a per-square-foot basis, ruling that charges must be equal for all flats. This is a win for fair housing practices.
About Public Interest Litigation (PIL): Driving Systemic Change
When I file a PIL, I am not just looking for a court order. I look for systemic change. If you have evidence of public rights being violated, we start with a strict merit assessment to see if we can trigger government accountability. This is not about fighting for personal gain, but about ensuring the system works for everyone.
Holding the System Accountable
My practice in Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is rooted in the belief that laws are tools for social change. If the state or municipal authorities fail to act, the court is often the only place left to seek a remedy. I have successfully challenged the Maharashtra government regarding fire safety rules and fought for the rights of manual scavengers, pushing the system to acknowledge and rectify its failures.
How I Approach a PIL
Filing a PIL is a serious commitment. Before we proceed, we conduct a detailed case merit assessment. This involves reviewing government records, FIRs, and existing policies to build a case that stands up to scrutiny in the High Court or Supreme Court. We do not work on hearsay; we work on evidence and data. Whether it is citing National Building Code violations in hoarding collapses or using RTI data to challenge the BMC, I ensure every argument is backed by hard facts.
My Areas of Focus
- Fire Safety & Urban Planning: Challenging illegal constructions and forcing compliance with safety regulations.
- Rights of the Marginalized: Fighting for the dignity and safety of manual scavengers and sanitation workers.
- Public Infrastructure: Ensuring accessibility in public spaces for persons with disabilities.
- Environmental Protection: Protecting green spaces from illegal encroachment by developers.
If you have a genuine public cause that requires legal intervention, we start by evaluating the strength of your evidence and the potential for a favorable court order.
Abha Singh
I started my career as a civil servant, but the system's indifference pushed me to become a lawyer. I do not believe in just filing cases; I believe in holding the powerful accountable. When I take up a PIL, it is because I have seen the damage inaction causes, and I am ready to fight it until the end.
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