Shyam Narayan Chouksey v Union of India (AIR 2018 SC 357)
Case Brief: Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (AIR 2018 SC 357)
1. Facts
This case involved a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Shyam Narayan Chouksey.
The PIL sought directions related to regulation of industries and environmental concerns.
The Supreme Court considered the scope and limits of PILs, especially whether courts should intervene in policy matters.
The case also discussed the balance between judicial activism and judicial restraint.
2. Legal Issues
What is the scope of judicial intervention in matters involving public policy through PILs?
To what extent can courts interfere with the executive’s domain?
The parameters for entertaining PILs and ensuring they are not misused.
3. Supreme Court’s Holding
The Court reiterated that PILs are important tools for protecting public interest, especially where fundamental rights or environmental issues are involved.
However, the Court cautioned against judicial overreach where courts step into the domain of policy-making or administration.
The Court held that:
PILs must be maintained within the framework of the law.
Courts should exercise restraint and avoid issuing directions that effectively amount to policy decisions.
The executive is best placed to handle matters of policy and administration.
The Court emphasized the need to strike a balance between protecting rights and respecting the separation of powers.
The judgment also addressed the misuse of PILs for publicity or personal gains, urging courts to be vigilant.
4. Significance
Clarified the limits of judicial activism in public interest matters.
Reinforced the principle of separation of powers.
Set guidelines to ensure PILs serve genuine public interest, not personal or political motives.
Encouraged courts to act as guardians of rights while respecting the domain of the legislature and executive.
5. Related Case Laws
S.P. Gupta v. Union of India (1982) — early recognition of PIL.
M.C. Mehta v. Union of India (1987) — environmental PILs.
State of Karnataka v. Union of India (2016) — limits of judicial overreach.
6. Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Case | Shyam Narayan Chouksey v. Union of India (2018) |
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Legal Issue | Scope and limits of judicial intervention in PILs |
| Decision | PILs important but courts must avoid policy-making |
| Significance | Balance between judicial activism and restraint; safeguard separation of powers |
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