What is Locus Standi?

Locus standi is a Latin term meaning "place to stand." It refers to the legal capacity of a person to bring an action or appear in court.

Traditionally, only those directly affected by an issue could approach the courts. However, with the evolution of Public Interest Litigation (PIL), especially after Justice P.N. Bhagwati's judgment in SP Gupta v. Union of India, the doctrine was liberalised.

Now, any public-spirited individual can file a petition under Article 32 or 226 of the Constitution. This shift ensures access to justice, particularly for disadvantaged or voiceless communities.