Correct answer: (d) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Explanation
- A
Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
Both true, R not explaining A. Access to justice for the weak is exactly why PIL serves the rule of law.
- B
(A) is false, but (R) is true
(A) false. PIL is treated as essential to Indian constitutionalism.
- C
(A) is true, but (R) is false
(R) false. PIL does widen access.
- D
Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
Both true and R explains A. PIL is essential to the rule of law because it gives effective access to justice to socially and economically weaker groups.
Summary. Official key is (d). PIL serves the rule of law by opening the court to those who could not otherwise reach it. Also note: SP Gupta / Judges transfer — Early PIL locus; Article 32 / 226 — Writ routes for PIL; Hussainara Khatoon — Undertrial prisoners; access limb; Misuse caution — Later benches warn against private-interest PIL.