Intervenor

A person who is not a party to the proceedings may, with the permission of the court, intervene if it is shown that the outcome of the case will affect such person in some way. An intervenor does not become a party, does not have an automatic right to be heard, but may file an affidavit. The intervenor is bound by the decision in the case, just as is a party. The participation of interest groups as intervenor has changed the character of many cases, giving them a PIL content. For example, women’s groups have intervened in the lower courts in rape or dowry cases. Interventions have been common in PIL cases, as the public importance of an issue has inspired organizations and individuals to participate in the proceedings.