Public Interest Litigation in Bangladesh: Tools for Justice or Judicial Populism

Abstract

Abstract— Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in Bangladesh has developed significantly in recent years, marking a profound departure from traditional adversarial judicial proceedings. As a vital component of constitutional jurisprudence, PIL is rooted in the necessity of safeguarding public interests and addressing the infringement of collective public rights. It serves as a crucial mechanism for protecting the fundamental rights of society and delivering social justice to economically and socially marginalized populations. Recently, PIL has emerged as a potent force within the justice system of Bangladesh, drawing immense interest from social and political activists who view it as a transformative tool for societal change. This study evaluates the efficacy of recent judicial rulings on PIL, examines the concept of social justice as articulated through various landmark judgments in Bangladesh, and explores potential pathways for structural reform.