ASHISH PATIDAR

Public Interest Litigation, or PIL, empowers citizens to be guardians of public well-being. It allows anyone concerned about the public good to file a legal petition in court, even if they aren't directly affected. This raises the question: what constitutes "public interest"? Public interest encompasses a wide range of issues that impact the collective good. It can be environmental concerns like pollution, safety matters like road hazards, or even safeguarding fundamental rights. Anything that potentially harms the general public can be a trigger for a PIL. For instance, if a film based on a real-life event sparks outrage by potentially offending a community's sentiments, a PIL can be filed. A recent example is the PIL filed against the movie "Shikara" over concerns of hurting sensitivities in Jammu and Kashmir. PIL acts as a powerful tool for holding public authorities accountable. It empowers citizens to challenge decisions perceived as detrimental to the...

  The digital age thrives on personal data, but its collection and use raise privacy concerns. Let's explore how different regions handle this challenge. Across the globe, data governance regulations are taking shape to address the growing importance and sensitivity of personal information. The European Union (EU) stands out with its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which establishes a comprehensive framework for data protection. The GDPR enshrines privacy as a fundamental right and gives individuals control over their data. Its strict regulations, including hefty fines for non-compliance, have influenced data practices worldwide. In contrast, the United States (US) lacks a single, overarching data privacy law. Instead, data governance is handled through sector-specific regulations, with separate rules for public and private entities. While there are laws addressing government access to personal information, the private sector generally operates under a patchwork of ind...