C-SAL
Council for Social Action Litigation
Taking Rights Seriously.
Taking Human Suffering Seriously.
Using the Constitution to defend rights, deepen democracy, and respond to injustice.
Defending the Constitution.
Deepening Democracy.
C-SAL is an independent public law initiative dedicated to strategic litigation, research, and constitutional literacy to advance democracy and social justice.
We work at the intersection of constitutional law, democratic accountability, and civic engagement — litigating landmark cases, producing rigorous legal research, and building constitutional awareness among citizens, institutions, and the judiciary.
- Independent, non-partisan public law initiative
- Focused on strategic litigation with national impact
- Grounded in rigorous constitutional research
We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic…
— Preamble, Constitution of India
Strategic Litigation
Filing and supporting constitutional cases that shape fundamental rights, democratic institutions, and the rule of law.
Constitutional Research
Producing rigorous policy briefs, research papers, and commentaries that inform law-making, judicial thinking, and public debate.
Constitutional Literacy
Building citizen awareness and engagement with constitutional values through programs, publications, and public dialogues.
Our Programs
Six focused initiatives advancing constitutional democracy, judicial accountability, and public legal awareness across India.
Strategic Constitutional Litigation
Filing landmark petitions before the Supreme Court and High Courts to defend fundamental rights and shape constitutional jurisprudence.
Learn More →Social Action Litigation
Supporting public interest cases that advance social justice for marginalised communities, workers, and vulnerable citizens.
Learn More →Constitutional Research & Policy
Producing rigorous research papers, policy briefs, and legal commentaries that inform law-making and judicial discourse.
Learn More →Democratic Institutions & Accountability
Monitoring and strengthening the independence of judicial, electoral, and constitutional bodies that safeguard democracy.
Learn More →Constitutional Literacy Initiative
Making constitutional values accessible through citizen education programs, workshops, and public dialogues across India.
Learn More →Training & Professional Development
Capacity-building programs for lawyers, judges, civil society organisations, and students working on constitutional issues.
Learn More →Featured Litigation
Strategic constitutional cases C-SAL is currently litigating or supporting before the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Right to Privacy & Surveillance Reforms
Challenging the legal framework governing state surveillance and calling for statutory safeguards consistent with the Puttaswamy judgment.
Sabarimala Temple Review Petition
Submissions before the 9-judge Constitution Bench on the interplay of religious freedom, gender equality, and essential religious practices.
Electoral Bonds Challenge
Constitutional challenge to the Electoral Bond Scheme, argued on grounds of voter's right to information and democratic transparency.
Latest Research
Policy briefs, research papers, and legal commentaries authored by C-SAL scholars and visiting fellows.
Collegium System and Judicial Appointments
An examination of the collegium's structural opacity and proposals for a constitutionally-grounded appointment mechanism.
Federalism and the 5th & 6th Schedules
Analysing the constitutional design of tribal self-governance and its implications for asymmetric federalism in contemporary India.
The Doctrine of Basic Structure Revisited
Fifty years after Kesavananda Bharati — a critical reappraisal of the doctrine's scope, evolution, and recent jurisprudential tensions.
Constitution Explained
Accessible explainers, expert analyses, and recorded dialogues unpacking the Indian Constitution for citizens, students, and practitioners.
Understanding Fundamental Rights
A deep dive into Articles 12–35 and how the Supreme Court has shaped their interpretation over seven decades.
Read Article →The Power of Judicial Review
Panel discussion with legal scholars and former judges on the evolution of judicial review in constitutional democracy.
Register Now →Uniform Civil Code Debate
Senior advocates discuss the constitutional, legal, and social dimensions of the UCC debate in modern India.
Watch Video →Separation of Powers Explained
Examining the doctrine's origins, its Indian adaptation, and recent tensions between the judiciary, executive, and legislature.
Read Commentary →
Stand With Us in Defending
Constitutional Democracy
Whether you're a lawyer, scholar, institution, journalist, or concerned citizen — there's a meaningful way for you to contribute to constitutional justice in India.
For Legal Professionals
Join as counsel, contribute research, or co-draft petitions on strategic constitutional cases.
Partner With UsFor Institutions
Fund strategic litigation, co-sponsor research, or support constitutional literacy programs nationwide.
Support Our WorkFor Media & Researchers
Access expert commentary, case briefs, and data for constitutional reporting and academic work.
Request Expert InputFor Concerned Citizens
Report constitutional violations, attend events, or subscribe to our constitutional literacy resources.
Get EngagedWorking at the intersection of constitutional law, democratic accountability, and social justice.