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Example
Case laws
Exceptions / limits
Opposite / Related
Exam tip
Memory trick
Key takeaway
Locus standi
| Literal meaning | Place to stand |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | LOH-kus STAN-dye |
The right of a person to bring a case before a court. Traditionally only the person whose right is affected could sue.
Example
A farmer whose land is flooded can sue over the flood. A stranger with no link to the matter traditionally could not.
Case laws
- S.P. Gupta v. Union of India (1981), Supreme Court: the Court widened locus standi and allowed any public-spirited person to move for the poor and disadvantaged, who cannot approach the court themselves.
Exceptions / limits
Public interest litigation relaxes the rule, but the Court still refuses frivolous and personal-interest petitions.
Exam tip
Asked with PIL and S.P. Gupta.
Memory trick
Where do you stand in this case?
Key takeaway
Locus standi is the right to approach a court; PIL has widened it.
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