Suo motu
| Literal meaning | On its own motion |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | SOO-oh MOH-too |
Action taken by a court or authority on its own, without a petition from any party.
Example
A High Court reads a news report on a tragedy and starts a case on its own.
Statutory link
Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971: the Supreme Court or a High Court may take action for criminal contempt on its own motion.
Exam tip
Asked with PIL and the power of constitutional courts.
Memory trick
Suo = own; motu = move.
Key takeaway
A court may act on its own without waiting for a petition.
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