The concept of Public Interest Litigation originated in*1 pointUnited KingdomAustraliaUnited StatesCanada

The concept of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) primarily originated in the United States. It emerged from the broader framework of civil rights movements during the 1960s and 1970s, where individuals and organizations began using the courts to address systemic injustices and societal issues that affected the public at large. In this context, PIL enables individuals who may not have a direct personal stake in a case to bring forth legal actions that seek to protect or promote the public interest, particularly regarding matters such as environmental rights, human rights, and governmental accountability.

While the legal frameworks and applications of PIL have evolved differently in various countries, its initial development can be traced back to U.S. cases that emphasized access to justice for marginalized groups and the importance of judicial intervention in protecting public welfare. Other nations, including India and Australia, have also embraced and adapted the concept to suit their legal and social contexts. However, the roots of public interest litigation are embedded in the U.S. legal system.