In S.P. Gupta v. Union of India (1981), the Supreme Court relaxed the rule of ______ to allow public-spirited persons to file petitions for enforcement of rights of disadvantaged groups, pioneering Public Interest Litigation in India.
- stare decisis
- locus standi
- natural justice
- separation of powers
Answer: locus standi
S.P. Gupta (First Judges Case, 1981): SC relaxed locus standi (personal injury requirement), allowing any citizen/public-spirited organization to file petition for enforcement of rights of persons unable to approach court due to poverty, ignorance, or social disadvantage. Transformed judicial role from dispute resolution to social justice delivery; foundation of PIL jurisprudence in India.