Does public interest litigation act as an enabler of environmental justice?

Razzaque, Jona

Abstract

Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has emerged as a powerful tool that advocates environmental justice. It allows concerned citizens, environmental activists, and non-governmental organizations to initiate legal proceedings on behalf of the public or the environment when they believe that ‘public interest’ is at stake. PIL provides a platform for marginalized communities and environmental advocates to voice their concerns and promotes distributive, restorative, social and procedural justice. In this presentation, first, we will visit the empowering role of PIL in challenging government actions, raising awareness, holding government and companies accountable, and allowing victims to access the legal system. Second, we will explore the PIL landscape that fosters environmental, climate change and biodiversity litigation. Such analysis will help us to understand the complexity of PIL as well as the prioritisation of interests, and question the effectiveness of PIL as an enabler.

Citation

Razzaque, J. (2023, October). Does public interest litigation act as an enabler of environmental justice?. Presented at Guest Lecture, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

• Presentation Conference Type: Lecture
• Conference Name: Guest Lecture
• Conference Location: University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka
• Start Date: Oct 26, 2023
• Deposit Date: Mar 1, 2024
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11753109