Happenings

The Student Council of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, in its continuous endeavor to combine academic learning with practical exposure, organized a session on “Basics of PIL Drafting and Advocacy” on 11th September, 2025. The purpose of the event was to enable students to gain both conceptual clarity and hands-on knowledge regarding one of the most transformative innovations in Indian law, Public Interest Litigation (PIL). Since its emergence in the late 20th century, PILs have empowered ordinary individuals to hold institutions accountable and has given rise to some of the most impactful judgments in Indian legal history. Recognizing the foundational importance of PILs for law students, especially in areas of constitutional law, human rights, and social justice, the Student Council curated this session to provide an opportunity for students to learn directly from an expert about: the essentials of PIL drafting, the format and structure required for a maintainable petition, and the art of advocacy that ensures effective presentation before the court.

The event was conducted by Mr. Karun Sanjaya Sir, Assistant Professor at Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, who is widely appreciated for his engaging teaching style and in-depth knowledge. His session was not only intended to impart technical drafting skills but also to instill in students an appreciation of the ethical and social responsibility attached to filing PILs. The Council planned this event at the beginning of the academic year with the idea of bridging the gap between classroom theory and practical exposure, making sure that students understood how legal concepts are transformed into real petitions that drive change in society.

Preparations and Organization

In the lead-up to the event, the Student Council meticulously organized the session. Announcements were circulated through class representatives and online channels to ensure participation from all batches. A lecture room with suitable infrastructure: projector, sound system, and seating arrangements, was chosen to maintain both comfort and academic focus. Council members worked on preparing an introductory note about the resource person and kept materials ready for circulation among students post-event. This preparation reflected the Council’s aim of not only hosting events but ensuring that they contribute to the overall academic enrichment of the student body.

The Gathering of Students

By 3:00 PM, students from across batches assembled in anticipation of the session. The turnout was commendable, demonstrating the high level of interest in learning practical aspects of PIL drafting. The event began with a brief introduction by the Student Council representatives, who highlighted the relevance of PILs in today’s legal landscape. Following this, the floor was handed over to Mr. Sanjaya Sir, whose warm yet professional presence immediately captured the attention of the audience. The gathering reflected not only enthusiasm for the topic but also a spirit of academic curiosity, with many students eager to connect the session to their classroom learning.

Insights and Guidance by the Resource Person

Mr. Sanjaya Sir began the session by contextualizing the emergence of PILs in India and their transformative role in broadening access to justice. He specifically discussed the S.P. Gupta v. Union of India case, which is often regarded as the foundation stone of Public Interest Litigation in India. Through this judgment, the Supreme Court liberalized the rule of locus standi, allowing any public- spirited individual to approach the court on behalf of those who could not do so themselves. This, he explained, marked the beginning of a new era where the judiciary became more accessible to marginalized and voiceless groups.

After establishing this background, he delved into the components of PIL drafting. He carefully outlined each stage of a petition: drafting the cause title and party details, stating jurisdiction clearly, presenting facts and issues concisely, including relevant constitutional/statutory grounds, and framing specific and effective prayers. He highlighted what should and should not be included, emphasizing that grounds must be relevant, legally sound, and free from unnecessary rhetoric. Similarly, party details must be chosen with precision so that the correct respondents are brought before the court.

To make the learning more practical, he then presented a sample draft PIL for the case Jojo Jose v. State of Kerala & Anr. Using this as an illustration, he explained how facts were structured, how reliefs were worded, and how the petition as a whole was aligned with judicial expectations. This demonstration allowed students to visualize the technical style and clarity required in drafting and served as a concrete reference model for their own future work.

Practical Demonstration

The session’s centerpiece was a demonstration of a formally drafted PIL. Mr. Sanjaya Sir displayed a petition and broke it down part by part, explaining how the issue was framed, how the law was applied, and how reliefs were articulated. Students could see firsthand how facts, law, and advocacy merge in the drafting process. The demonstration not only clarified the structure and tone of PILs but also instilled confidence in students that they could attempt similar drafting exercises themselves.

Student Interaction and Engagement

The session was highly interactive. Students posed a variety of questions, including: “How do courts filter out publicity-driven or politically motivated PILs?” “What is the scope of locus standi today in PILs?” “How can one frame precise and effective prayers?” “What distinguishes PIL drafting from ordinary writ petitions?”

Mr. Sanjaya Sir's responses combined doctrinal clarity with practical examples, often referring to real cases and judicial observations. He also discussed how advocacy in PILs involves not just drafting but also oral presentation before courts, requiring a balance of legal reasoning and persuasive skills. At one point, he encouraged students to think of local or national issues from environmental hazards to public health lapses that could form the subject matter of a PIL. This exercise pushed students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems, making the session lively and meaningful.

Spirit of Student Enrichment

The session fostered a spirit of learning, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Students not only learned about drafting technicalities but also internalized the larger role of advocacy in shaping society. The interactive examples, combined with the ethical discussions around the misuse of PILs, made the session a well-rounded experience. Students from different batches shared reflections, creating a sense of peer learning and collective growth.

Broader Impact and Takeaways

• It provided practical drafting skills, vital for moots, internships, and future practice.
• It encouraged students to think of PILs as tools for justice, not just academic topics.
• It demonstrated the balance between law and advocacy, drafting strong petitions and presenting them effectively.
• It reinforced the idea that law students are not only learners but also future advocates of social change.

Conclusion

The session concluded at 4:00 PM with a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the Student Council, appreciating Mr. Sanjaya Sir for his valuable guidance. It combined theoretical knowledge with practical exposure, making it a valuable addition to the Student Council’s initiatives. The event reflected the vibrant culture of Symbiosis Law School, Nagpur, where academic rigor and practical training go hand in hand. The participants left with a deeper understanding of the role of PILs in ensuring justice and with greater confidence in their drafting abilities. The session was widely appreciated by the attendees and will serve as a stepping stone for more such academic and skill- oriented engagements in the future.