| Article 32 of the Constitution gives an extensive | | | | as such. While prosecuting a writ plea is a costly |
| original jurisdiction to the Supreme Court of India in | | | | affair, writing a letter-petition to Supreme Court (or |
| regard to enforcement of Fundamental Rights. It is | | | | any high court) is an option left to responsible citizens |
| empowered to issue directions, orders or writs, | | | | for addressing public concerns, especially when |
| including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, | | | | governments and fourth estate show vested interests. |
| mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari to | | | | The Letter has to be addressed to Chief Justice of |
| enforce them. The Supreme Court has also been | | | | India and preferably be posted to the Registrar, |
| conferred with power to direct transfer of any civil or | | | | Supreme Court. Such letter-petitions will be dealt with |
| criminal case from one State High Court to another | | | | in accordance with the guidelines framed for the |
| State High Court or from a Court subordinate to | | | | purpose. As per the guideline, a petition of the above |
| another State High Court. | | | | nature depicting public interest will be routed to the PIL |
| Although the proceedings in the Supreme Court arise | | | | cell in Supreme Court. They would make a case |
| out of the judgments or orders made by the | | | | summary and place the matter before a Judge, who is |
| Subordinate Courts including the High Courts, Supreme | | | | designated by Chief Justice to make decisions on the |
| Court entertains petitions in the interest of the public at | | | | letter-petitions. The judge may order for registering |
| large. The apex court can be moved by any individual | | | | a PIL and to place it before the appropriate bench of |
| or group of persons either by filing a Writ Petition at | | | | the Supreme Court. |
| the Filing Counter of the Court or by addressing a | | | | Very recently, I found refuge in a letter-petition for |
| letter to Honourable Chief Justice of India highlighting | | | | enabling a public debate on the societal implications |
| the question of public importance for invoking this | | | | of registering a temple offering as "goods" under |
| jurisdiction. Such concept is popularly known as 'Public | | | | Geographical Indications Act. It is expected that the |
| Interest Litigation' (PIL) and this extraordinary jurisdiction | | | | Supreme Court would take 'suo motu' cognisance of |
| is very unique characteristics of Indian Judiciary. | | | | the letter, in view of the larger public interest involved in |
| A public interest Writ Petition filed at the Filing Counter | | | | the matter. |
| is dealt with like any other Writ Petition and processed | | | | |