Suo Moto

“Suo Moto,” derived from the Latin “Suo Motu,” meaning “on its own motion,” is a legal term used to denote an action taken by a government agency or a court without formal prompting or request from another party. It indicates the exercise of power by a court or a regulatory authority to commence proceedings and take cognizance of a matter independently, based on information received or perceived through media, public interest, or direct knowledge of a situation.

This concept is crucial in the judicial system as it underscores the proactive role of the judiciary or authority in upholding justice and the rule of law, even without a victim or aggrieved party’s initiation. The doctrine empowers courts and similar bodies to step in to protect fundamental rights, enforce legal obligations, or address grievances that may not have been formally brought to their attention.