Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has emerged as one of the most significant developments in the Indian judicial system. It has enabled the courts to protect the rights of poor, disadvantaged and marginalized sections of society who are often unable to approach the courts themselves. The growth of PIL is closely associated with judicial activism, particularly the liberal interpretation of Fundamental Rights under the Constitution. Through PIL, the Supreme Court and High Courts have intervened in matters concerning bonded labour, prisoners, environmental protection, minimum wages, public health, women, children and the right to live with dignity. In several cases, the judiciary has issued directions that appear to enter the administrative or policy-making domain. This has generated an important constitutional debate concerning separation of powers and judicial overreach. This paper examines the development of PIL in India, its social dimensions, the judicial assumption of administrative functions, its contribution to distributive justice, and the need for judicial self-restraint.