This report explores the use of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to promote gender justice and advance women’s reproductive rights in India. Women’s reproductive rights in India are severely undermined by gender-biased practices. As a result, women face a wide range of human rights abuses that breach fundamental provisions of the Indian Constitution and international conventions ratified by the Indian government.

This publication shows how a variety of actors can, through the strategic use of PIL, play a role in ensuring that the Indian government upholds its obligations to protect women and provide justice to those whose rights have been violated. The report is based on an analysis of relevant international and Indian constitutional law, case studies of select Indian Supreme Court litigation, and interviews with key stakeholders.