78.
The answer is: D
Explanation
The correct option is D: All of the above.
Filing of frivolous PILs results in increasing backlog of cases, wastage of resources, and lesser availability of time for hearing other genuine cases. Here is a brief explanation:
Increasing backlog of cases: Frivolous PILs add to the already huge pendency of cases in the Indian judiciary. According to the National Judicial Data Grid, as of June 2021, there were over 3.7 crore cases pending in various courts across the country. Frivolous PILs not only delay the disposal of genuine cases, but also undermine the credibility of PILs as a mechanism to address important issues of public interest.
Wastage of resources : Frivolous PILs waste the precious time and resources of the courts, the litigants, and the public exchequer. The courts have to spend time and energy to examine and dismiss such petitions, which could have been utilized for more productive purposes. The litigants have to bear the cost of litigation and the harassment of appearing before the courts. The public exchequer also suffers as the government has to pay the fees of the lawyers who represent it in such cases.
Lesser availability of time for hearing other genuine cases : Frivolous PILs reduce the availability of time for hearing other genuine cases that involve the rights and interests of the poor, the oppressed, and the needy. PILs were introduced to provide access to justice to those who cannot afford or represent themselves in the courts, but due to the misuse and abuse of PILs, the courts are often unable to hear such cases in a timely manner.
Therefore, filing of frivolous PILs results in all of the above consequences, and hence, option D is the correct answer