What distinguishes genuine public interest litigation from disguised misuse, per the Vaniyambadi Level Crossing case?

The Court held that a citizen's sustained, bona fide pursuit of a public grievance over several years, without personal benefit, is genuine public interest litigation — distinct from petitions that, on closer scrutiny, advance no real public cause — and such constructive civic participation deserves judicial acknowledgment.

Public Interest Litigation — Genuine civic engagement — Infrastructure completion — Time-bound compliance directions — Public Interest Litigation — Bona fide civic engagement — Distinguished from disguised misuse — Held: A citizen's sustained, bona fide pursuit of a public grievance over several years, without personal benefit, is genuine public interest litigation. It is distinct from petitions that, on scrutiny, advance no real public cause, and merits judicial acknowledgment. (¶11) Infrastructure completion — Time-bound compliance directions — Held further: The Court directed Southern Railway to complete its portion of the Limited Use Subway within six months of contract award, and the State authorities to complete land acquisition with utmost expedition, both filing compliance affidavits within eight months. Appeal disposed of. (¶13, 15, 16)

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