Suo motu jurisdiction of the Supreme Court

In one line: Suo motu means "on its own motion": the Court starts a case itself, usually after news reports or a letter, when fundamental rights are at stake.

Where the power comes from

Article 32 lets the Supreme Court enforce fundamental rights, and Article 142 lets it pass orders needed for "complete justice". From the late 1970s and 1980s the Court relaxed the rule that only the injured person may approach it. Letters and news reports began to be treated as petitions. This is the root of public interest litigation.

How such cases run

The Court often keeps the matter open and issues directions in stages, asking for status reports. This is called a continuing mandamus, a method used in Vineet Narain v Union of India (1997). An amicus curiae (a lawyer who assists the court) is usually appointed; here it is Senior Advocate Liz Mathew. In August 2024 the Court took suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata's R.G. Kar hospital and set up a National Task Force on doctors' safety.

Where to go next

• Article 21 and the right to live with dignity
• Emergency and support systems for women