NATIONAL JUDICIAL ACADEMY

RESEARCH REPORT ON:

SUO MOTO COGNIZANCE/ACTION BY THE SUPREME

COURT AND HIGH COURTS IN INDIA AFTER 2000

SUBMITTED BY:

. ASTITVA PRATAP SINGH (INTERN 11/05/2015- 04/05/2015)

. NATIONAL LAW UNIVERSITY ODISHA, CUTTACK TABLE OF CONTENTS

LEVEL I ANALYSIS: ...... 4

Supreme Court ...... 4

Allahabad High Court ...... 6

Andhra Pradesh High Court ...... 9

Bombay High Court ...... 11

Calcutta High Court ...... 13

Chhattisgarh High Court ...... 14

Delhi High Court ...... 14

Guwahati High Court ...... 17

Gujarat High Court ...... 18

Himachal Pradesh High Court ...... 19

Jammu and Kashmir High Court ...... 21

Jharkhand High Court ...... 21

Karnataka High Court...... 24

Kerala High Court ...... 26

Madhya Pradesh High Court ...... 26

Tamil Nadu (Madras) High Court ...... 26

Manipur, Meghalaya High Court ...... 31

Tripura High Court ...... 31

Orissa High Court ...... 31

Patna High Court ...... 32

Punjab and Haryana High Court...... 34

Rajasthan high court ...... 39

Sikkim High Court ...... 42

Uttarakhand High Court ...... 43

LEVEL II ANALYSIS: ...... 44 LEVEL III ANALYSIS...... 46

LEVEL I ANALYSIS:

SUPREME COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Bank of India Vs. Vijay Transport & Ors., Suo Moto contempt proceedings MANU/SC/0636/2000 initiated for disobeying the orders given by the court. 2. In Re: Arundhati Roy, Suo Moto contempt proceedings MANU/SC/0160/2002 were initiated against Arundhati Roy as she published an article entitled "The Greater Common Good" in Outlook Magazine and the comments made by her were, prima facie, a misrepresentation of the proceedings of the court. 3. In Re: Bineet Kumar Singh, Suo Moto contempt proceedings MANU/SC/0333/2001 initiated for interference with the administration of justice. 4. In Re: Death of 25 Chained Inmates in Asylum The court took Suo Moto action Fire in Tamil Nadu Vs. Union of India and Ors., based on a news item published in all MANU/SC/0081/2002 the daily newspapers regarding more than 25 mentally challenged patients who were housed in a mental asylum were charred to death at Ervadi in Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. 5. In Re: Destruction of Public and Private Suo moto proceedings were initiated PropertiesVs. State of A.P. and Ors., by the Supreme Court taking a note MANU/SC/0575/2009 of various instances of large scale destruction of public and private properties in the name of agitations, bandhs and hartals. 6. Leila David Vs. State of Maharashtra and Ors., Suo Moto contempt proceedings MANU/SC/0488/2009 were initiated for misconduct and indiscipline inside the court. 7. Re: Suo Moto Proceedings against Mr. R. Suo moto contempt proceedings Karuppan, Advocate, initiated against the advocate for MANU/SC/0338/2001 filing writ petition with false affidavit. 8. Court on Its Own Motion Vs. Union of India Certain newspapers reported 67 (UOI) and Ors., deaths of Pilgrims during Amarnath MANU/SC/0628/2012, yatra mostly because of cardiac arrests as well as for other reasons, the court took Suo moto notice of concerned Articles to appropriately deal with this serious subject of lack of medical and other facilities in public interest. 9. In Re: Indian Woman says gang-raped on orders Court initiatedSuo moto proceedings of Village Court published in Business and on learning about the gang rape of a Financial News, 20 year old woman pursuant to MANU/SC/0242/2014 direction of Village panchayat, as punishment for having relationship with a man from a different community in Subalpur Village, P.S. Labpur, District Birbhum, State of West Bengal. 10. In Re: Harassment and Physical Abuse of 'M', The court registered Suo moto writ MANU/SC/0932/2014 petition in this matter on the basis of MANU/SC/0937/2014 a bunch of papers handled by the complainant in relation to gang rape and aggrieved by inaction of the police in the same. 11. In Re: Ink Throwing Incident, Contempt of Court, Suo Moto MANU/SC/0407/2014 contempt proceedings initiated against an advocate for the act of throwing ink on someone in the premises of the court. 12. In Re: News Item Published in Times Suo moto proceedings initiated by Titles 'And Quiet Flows The Maily Yamuna', the apex court based on a new item MANU/SC/0153/2012 published in titled 'A Quite Flows Maili Yamuna' in relation to the pollution of the river Yamuna. 13. In Re: Rameshwar Prasad Goyal, Advocate, Suo Moto contempt proceedings MANU/SC/0848/2013 initiated against the Advocate on Record as he filed an extremely large number of cases in the Supreme Court but never appeared for the same. 14. In Re: Recent Firing Incident, Widely Reported Cognizance of a firing incident by in The Press, Resulting in the Death of Two private security personnel which Persons, Allegedly on Account of Use of 25 resulted in death of two was taken Firearms by Some Private Security Personnel, based on the news items published in MANU/SC/1117/2012 this regard. 15. Rajeshwar Singh Vs. Subrata Roy Sahara and Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Ors., contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/SC/1321/2011 16. Amicus Curiae Vs. Prashant Bhushan and Anr., Contempt of Court, Suo Moto MANU/SC/0490/2010 contempt proceedings initiated.

ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Association of Dead People, Azamgarh and The High Court took Suo moto another Vs. State of U.P. and others, cognizance of a media report MANU/UP/0131/2000 highlighted in the TIMEmagazine, Asia Edition which published an Article entitled "Plight of the Living Dead : Indian Farmers declared deceased by unscrupulous relatives must prove they're alive to regain their land." 2. District Co-operative Bank Ltd. Vs. Badri Ram and The court Suo moto initiated review Ors., proceedings in this case, the case was MANU/UP/0713/2002 earlier decided but certain provisions were not brought to the notice of the judge hence this review was initiated. 3. Suomoto action taken by the Court Vs.ICICI Bank The court took Suo moto cognizance Ltd. through its Chairman and Ors., of some questions of larger public MANU/UP/1273/2005 importance which arose from the facts brought on record in the case Rakesh Mehta and Ors. v.State of U.P. and Ors., Petition No. 58318 of 2005. 4. Manoj Kumar Kesharwani Vs. Sanjai Kumar The court initiated Suo moto Kesharwani and Ors., contempt proceedings on the grounds MANU/UP/2484/2006 of violation of interim injunction granted by the lower court on the basis of a complaint received by the court. 5. In Re: PadamKirti, The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/UP/0912/2006 in this case in the basis of a news report published in Hindustan Times titled “Bar squabble: Judges cry off dinner” and initiated contempt proceedings. 6. Suo motu action taken by the Court Vs. Suo Moto contempt proceedings SadhnaUpadhyaya Advocate, initiated by the court against the MANU/UP/1738/2009 advocate for alleging the Judge with the charge of lack of integrity, disrupted the proceedings of the court and also damaged the property of the court. 7. In Re : Govt. Children's Home at Shivkuti Court took Suo moto cognizance of Allahabad, the matter after a news report in the MANU/UP/0861/2012 "Hindustan" daily of crimes of sexual abuse of minor orphan girls in the Shivkuti, Allahabad RajkiyaShishuGrih (Government Home for infants) by a contract chowkidar. 8. In Re: ZilaAdhivakta Sangh Allahabad, Suo motu jurisdiction of Court MANU/UP/0281/2015 invoked in the public interest to decide matter of strike by the advocates which disrupted the function of Court. 9. Inaction of Police in Lodging FIR's in Offences The court took Suo moto cognizance Against Women Vs. State of U.P., of matter related to Delay in lodging MANU/UP/2258/2013 F.I.R. in serious cases of Offences against women. 10. Ram Swaroop Vs. State of U.P. and Ors., The court initiated Suo Moto MANU/UP/2407/2013 contempt proceedings against the contemnor who did not comply with the directions given by the high court. 11. Re: In the Matter of Contempt by the Weekly The court initiated Suo moto Magazine Outlook Vs. Vinod Mehta, Editor in Chief contempt proceedings on the basis of Outlook and Ors., a story published in a news magazine MANU/UP/0531/2011 “Outlook” for making the contemptuous statement outlined in the story which denigrate the Chief Justice and the judiciary generally and tend to scandalize and lower the authority of the Court and to prejudice the due course of judicial proceedings. 12. State of U.P. Vs. Rajesh Tiwari, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/UP/0476/2010 contempt proceedings against the contemnor for attempting to lower the dignity of Court. 13. State of U.P. Vs. Resident Editor, Times of India 16, The proceedings for contempt of MANU/UP/0187/2011 Court initiated by the Court Suo motu on the basis of the news item, published in with the caption "AYODHYA, MEMORIES OF A DISPUTED LIFETIME". The court considered the said item to be provocative, calculated to embitter relations between two communities and message to Court that if pending matter was not decided in particular way serious unruly consequences would occur.

ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Advocate Vs. State of A.P. and Ors., The court Suo motu took the writ MANU/AP/0006/2004 petition for consideration in connection with the collapse of the multi-storeyed residential/commercial complexes in the cities of Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam and other Municipal Corporations in the State of A.P. on the basis of a news item under the heading 'Building crash raises disturbing questions' reported by ‘’. 2. DokalaPaparao Vs. DokalaButchi Raju and Anr., Contempt of Court, Suo Moto MANU/AP/1547/2002 contempt proceedings initiated. 3. In Re: Official Liquidator, High Court of Andhra Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Pradesh; In Re: Southern Udhyans Ltd. (in contempt proceedings initiated. Liquidation); In Re: Southern Wonder World Resorts Ltd. (in Liquidation); In Re: Southern Continental Contractors Ltd. (Suo Motu Ordered for Provisional Liquidation), MANU/AP/0172/2008 4. In Re: Sri SitaramChaprala, Advocate, High Court Contempt of Court, Suo Moto of A.P., contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/AP/0556/2009 5. In re: Sri V. Satyanarayana Rao S/o. Sri V.C. Rao, Contempt of Court, Suo Moto MANU/AP/0579/2007 contempt proceedings initiated. 6. Mystery Gas Spreads Panic Vs. The Director, A.P. Court took the matter Suo moto on Pollution Control Board, The Inspector of the basis of newspaper reports Factories, The Secretary to Govt., Industries regarding spreading of panic owing Department, The Secretary to Govt., Forest, Energy, to a mischievous gas with foul smell Environment Science & Technology Dept and The resulting in breathing problem. Chief Secretary to Govt., Govt of A.P. and 13 Ors., MANU/AP/1129/2001 7. News Item (Paper Clipping, The New Indian The court Suo moto took up writ Express dated 27-10-2005 at page No. 5)Vs. petition based on an article published Principal, Bapatla Engineering College, in a newspaper under the caption MANU/AP/0859/2005 "Ragging drives student to suicide" which reveals that a first year student of an Engineering College, committed suicide by consuming pesticide at his residence. 8. State of A.P. rep. by the Advocate General, High Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Court of A.P. Vs. S. Tulasidas, Advocate, S. Sharat contempt proceedings initiated. Kumar, Legal Correspondent of and S. Pradeep Kumar, Legal Correspondent of , MANU/AP/1524/2002 9. State of A.P. Vs. O.P. Jalan and another, Contempt of Court, Suo Moto MANU/AP/0563/2000 contempt proceedings initiated. 10. In Re: BandaruMadhava Naidu, Contempt of Court, Suo Moto MANU/AP/0183/2015 contempt proceedings initiated.

BOMBAY HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Court on its own motion Vs. State of Maharashtra The Court took Suo moto cognizance and Ors., of news items of dangerous and MANU/MH/1489/2008 dilapidated structures in the Nagpur City which were not, or could not be demolished. 2. Gopal L. Raheja and Anr. Vs. Vijay B. Raheja and Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Ors., contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/MH/0782/2006 3. High Court of Judicature of Bombay Vs. Ms. Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Manisha Koirala and Anr., contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/MH/1793/2002 4. High Court on its own motion Vs. Shri Contempt of Court, Suo Moto GopinathMundhe and Ors., contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/MH/0724/2006 5. In Re: Mr. B. S. Brar, Director General of Police, Contempt of Court, Suo Moto State of , , Goa; Mr. Manish contempt proceedings initiated. SadanandKarapurkar Editor, The Times of India and Goa Edition, Vivenda de Hassan, D.B. Bandodkar Marg, Miramar, Panaji, Goa AND In Re: Mr. Bosco George, Superintendent of Police (North) Panaji, Goa; Mr. AshwinTombat Editor, , St. Tome Road, Panaji, Goa, MANU/MH/1712/2008 6. Suo Motu Writ Petition on the reports published in Suo moto writ petition taken up by various Marathi Newspapers about the untimely the court based on the news report of death of many children due to malnutrition within the Marathi newspaper with regard to two months Vs. The State of Maharashtra and Ors., the death of children due to MANU/MH/0625/2006 malnourishment within tribal as well as non-tribal areas. 7. The Court on its Own Motion Vs. Sou. Contempt of Court, Suo Moto JayashreeKhadilkar contempt proceedings initiated. Pandey, NilkanthYeshwantKhadilkar and The State of Maharashtra, MANU/MH/0474/2003 8. The Managing Director, (Goa Constructions Court took cognizance of public Housing and Finance Corporation Limited), State of advertisement released by Goa through its Chief Secretary and Mr. Siddharth Government officials of public sector Kuncalienkar, Shantaban Co-operative Hsg. Society undertaking wishing happy birthday Vs. State of Goa through Chief Secretary, Health and wedding anniversary to the Minister, Finance Minister (Secretariat) and Chairman. Director, Directorate of Health Services, MANU/MH/0014/2009 9. The Registrar, High Court of Judicature at Bombay, Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Bench at Aurangabad Vs. The State of Maharashtra contempt proceedings initiated. and Bhagwan S/o PralhadFulsunder, MANU/MH/0902/2007

10. Article in Vs. The Secretary, The court took Suo moto cognizance Department of Women and Child Development, of the matter based on the article Govt. of Maharashtra and Ors., Mumbai Mirror stating that, five MANU/MH/1258/2010 mentally challenged children lodged at a Children's Home has died of malnutrition and disease. One child is alleged to have been raped. Another is missing. 11. Court on its Own Motion Vs. The Nagpur Municipal The court took Suo moto cognizance Corporation, through Commissioner and Ors., and initiated this public interest MANU/MH/1708/2010 litigation based on the news item published in local daily "Navbharat" exposing pathetic road conditions, rampant encroachment on footpaths and chaotic conditions due to traffic congestion, water logging at various places in rainy season for want of proper drainage, unauthorized hotels and shop owners throwing garbage and dirty water on road, coupled with unauthorized taxis and two wheelers parking on footpaths in surroundings of Nagpur Railway Station 12. High Court on its own Motion Vs. Contempt of Court, Suo Moto DnyandevTulshiramJadhav and State of contempt proceedings initiated. Maharashtra, MANU/MH/0371/2011 13. High Court on its own Motion Vs. Mr. N.B. Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Deshmukh, contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/MH/1689/2010 14. High Court on its own motion Vs. Shri Dattatray Contempt of Court, Suo Moto Narayan Samant and Shri C.S. Joshi, Advocate, contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/MH/0691/2011 15. High Court on its own motion Vs. Pradeep Contempt of Court, Suo Moto PandurangSuryawanshi, Police Inspector, contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/MH/0093/2011 16. In Re: The state of Goa through its Chief Secretary, The court took Suo moto cognizance Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa, Secretary, P.W.D., of the matter and registered a writ Government of Goa, Secretariat, Porvorim, Goa, petition on the basis of an editorial State Pollution Control Board, at Patto, Panaji, captioned "Rain and Dry Taps", Goa and The Central Pollution Control Board, New published in "The Navhind Times". Delhi, MANU/MH/2165/2010 17. Pilerne Citizens Forum, a Society registered under The court took Suo moto cognizance the provisions of the Societies Registration Act, of the matter based on the basis of a represented herein by its Secretary Shri newspaper report was published in SuvarnesinghRane Vs. The State of Goa through its daily 'Herald'. The newspaper report Chief Secretary and Ors., was regarding the alleged illegal sale MANU/MH/0888/2010 of the land held by Communidade of Pilerne to builders after entering into compromise with builders.

CALCUTTA HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. The Court on its own Motion Vs. Sri Biman Bose Contempt of Court, Suo Moto and 2 Ors., contempt proceedings initiated. MANU/WB/0114/2010 2. In Re: The Court on its Own Motion, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/WB/0067/2007 proceedings. 3. In Re: Director General of Police and Ors., Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/WB/0023/2007 proceedings. 4. State of West Bengal & Ors.Vs.Pradip Kumar Das Court initiated Suo moto contempt &Ors., proceedings. MANU/WB/1397/2010

CHHATTISGARH HIGH COURT

No Cases of Suo Moto cognizance after 2000

DELHI HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Court on its Own Motion Vs. Lok Nath Grover and Court initiated Suo moto contempt Anr., proceedings. MANU/DE/4202/2009 2. Court on Its Own Motion Vs. State and Ors., Suo moto cognizance was take up by MANU/DE/2104/2008 the court upon the newspaper reports which spoke of the terror let loose on the roads of Delhi by Blue Line buses in the wake of repeated accidents. 3. Court on its Own Motion Vs. State, The court Suo moto took up the issue MANU/DE/8932/2007 related to a sting operation by news channel showing a teacher involved in organized prostitution racket as a result of which the teacher was attacked and later suspended. Subsequent investigation revealed that whole sting operation was stage managed to frame the teacher. 4. Court on its motion Vs. Union of India (UOI) and Court on its motion took into account Ors., the numerous fatal accidents caused MANU/DE/7415/2007 by DTC, blue line and other vehicles in the Delhi roads due to violation of rules. 5. Court on its own Motion Vs. Ajay Yadav, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/DE/2850/2009 proceedings. 6. Court on its own Motion Vs. All India Institute of The Court took Suo moto cognizance Medical Sciences, in relation to the strike by the MANU/DE/0908/2002 residents doctors association of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). 7. Court on its own Motion Vs. Central Bureau of The court took Suo moto cognizance Investigation, based on news item in a national MANU/DE/0026/2004 daily "Statesman" which spoke about prima facie illegality related to an order published against which the court summoned the record, noticed the CBI and stayed its operation. 8. Court on its own Motion Vs. GulshanBajwa, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/DE/9044/2006 proceedings. 9. Court on its own Motion Vs. State, The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/DE/1233/2001 of this case dealing with a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for non-releasing of the beggars due to their failure to furnish bail bonds. The same was taken up by the court on the basis of a news item which appeared in 'Pioneer' under the heading "Puja lands man in beggar's hope". 10. Court on its own motion Vs. Central Vigilance The court too Suo moto cognizance Commission, in the present case upon a news item MANU/DE/7645/2007 wherein it was alleged that various application were pending for grant of sanction for prosecuting the public servants. 11. Court on its own motion Vs. Mr. GulshanBajwa, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/DE/9519/2006 proceedings. 12. Court on its own motion Vs. State and Ors., The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/DE/0978/2008 registered the petition to issue notices in respect of a telecast 'Ghoos Mahal &Tihar Saga' shown by the channel 'AajTak'. The said feature disclosed and revealed acts of prison officials showing and giving undue favour to prisoners in breach of the Rules under the Jail Manual. 13. Courts On Its Own Motion Vs. In The Matter of The court took up Suo moto Statement made by Shri Raman Duggal, Adv., contempt proceedings based on a MANU/DE/0046/2001 news item appearing in the Hindustan Timeswhich led to issuance of anotice to the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation of Delhi. 14. Sh. H. SyamaSundara Rao Vs. Union of India (UOI) Court initiated Suo moto contempt and Ors., proceedings. MANU/DE/9650/2006 15. Court its Own Motion Vs. Union of India (UOI), The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/DE/0046/2011 of the matter based on a newspaper report published in the 'Hindustan Times' that a destitute woman breathed her last on a busy street after giving birth to a baby girl. 16. Court on Its Motion Vs. Directorate of Education Public interest litigation was GNCT of Delhi, initiated Suo motu by the court on the MANU/DE/1940/2011 basis of a letter about a girl getting hit by a stone on the eye in a government school and due to delay in treatment caused by the school authorities lost her partial vision. 17. Court on Its Own Motion Vs. Union of India & Ors., The Court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/DE/0410/2014 of the issue of the recent incidents of intolerance to movement of people within the country. 18. Court on its Own Motion Vs. Union of India (UOI) This Public Interest Litigation and Ors., was Suo motu initiated by the Court MANU/DE/0042/2011 on the basis of a report published in 'Hindustan Times' captioned "Man dies as 3 hospitals refuse him treatment". 19. Court on its Own Motion Vs. Union of India (UOI) The court Suo moto initiated this through Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, public interest writ petition on the MANU/DE/1362/2011 basis of the report in the Sunday Times of India, New Delhi, wherein it has been mentioned "Indian veggies, fruits remain highly toxic". 20. Court on its Own Motion Vs. Union of India and The court took Suo motu cognizance Ors., of the incident reported in the news MANU/DE/1489/2015 media of a Traffic Policeman, in retaliation, hurling a brick at a woman. 21. Court on its Own Motion Vs. Zenith Mining Pvt. Court initiated Suo moto contempt Ltd. &Anr., proceedings. MANU/DE/2952/2013

GUWAHATI HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Director, N.E.R.I.S.T. Vs. D. Roy Choudhury, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/GH/0386/2007 proceedings. 2. Krishna Kanta Borah Vs. State of Assam and Ors., Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/GH/0656/2008 proceedings. 3. In Re: State of Assam and Ors., The court Suo moto initiated this MANU/GH/0492/2014 public interest litigation on the basis of a news report of '' regarding encroachment in and around the birth place of a colossal figure in the history of Assam.

GUJARAT HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Suo Motu Vs. Ahmedabad Municipal Corpn. and 46 The court took Suo moto Ors., cognizance to gear up the MANU/GJ/8067/2006 administration to take prompt action in the direction of improving the sanitary condition of the city of Ahmedabad. 2. Suo Motu Vs. Mr. S.B. Vakil, Advocate, High Court Court initiated Suo moto contempt of Gujarat and Ors., proceedings. MANU/GJ/8672/2006 3. Suo Motu Vs. State of Gujarat, The court initiated Suo motu action MANU/GJ/0313/2005 to see that vehicular traffic is regulated properly so as to see that accidents are averted and citizens do not lose their lives due to accidents. 4. Suo Motu Vs. Nandlal Thakkar, Advocate, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/GJ/0005/2012 proceedings. 5. Suo Motu Vs. State of Gujarat and Ors., The court Suo moto initiated MANU/GJ/0302/2013 thisPublic Interest Litigation on the basis of a news item published in The Times of India (Ahmedabad Edition) captioned "Thrown out by violent husband? - Wait For Three Months To File A Domestic Violence Complaint! and "Class no bar for Woman Battering", sub-captioned Protection Officers are exploited too." 6. Suo Motu Vs. Yogesh J. Bhatt, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/GJ/0788/2014 proceedings.

HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Court On Its Own Motion Vs. State of H.P. and The court took Suo moto cognizance Ors., of the matter on the basis of a news- MANU/HP/0211/2001 item which appeared in the "Hindustan Times" (daily) under the title "Deaf prisoner denied means to defend himself" to find out ill- treatment of deaf prisoner. 2. Court on its Own Motion Vs. State of H.P., The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/HP/0176/2012 of this matter on the basis of a news item registered which appeared in Hindustan Times, in which it was mentioned that power transmission lines were being laid on left bank of Sutlej which would endanger area in question and lead to cutting of more than 15000 trees. 3. Court on its own motion Vs. Chairman, Baba Balak This writ petition was registered Suo Nath Temple Trust Deothsidh District Hamirpur, motoon the basis of a letter bringing H.P., in the notice of the Court that an MANU/HP/1697/2012 amount of 1,00,000/-has been spent from a Trust Fund for an advertisement in the souvenir published by the Himachal Tourism. 4. Court on its Own Motion Vs. Union of India, The Court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/HP/0152/2015 of the news item, which appeared in the daily edition of under caption "Army barriers restrict movement in Nahan villages, locals irked". 5. Court on its Own Motion Vs. State of H.P. and Anr., The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/HP/2884/2010 in this Petition on a news item that appeared in '' pertaining to the untouchability. 6. Court on its own motion Vs. State of H.P. and Anr., The court instituted this writ petition MANU/HP/2960/2010 by taking Suo moto cognizance in view of a news item that appeared in "" regarding the alleged sad state of affairs in the matter of functioning of some aided educational institutions. 7. Court on its own motion Vs. State of HP and Ors., The court Suo moto registered this MANU/HP/0015/2010 writ petition on the basis of a newspaper item that appeared in which stated that the mother of a martyr has been waiting for pension for very long. 8. Court on its own motion Vs. State of Himachal The court took Suo moto cognizance Pradesh, in this matter on the news item, MANU/HP/0346/2014 which was published in the newspaper "" wherein it was reported that 24 students of an Institute washed away in the Beas river after the LarjiHydel Power Project Authorities discharged the water into the river allegedly without taking all steps required under law. 9. Court on its own motion Vs. State of Himachal The Court has taken Suo motu Pradesh and Ors., cognizance to check and arrest the MANU/HP/2841/2010 menace of stray dogs within the territorial jurisdiction of Municipal Corporation, Shimla 10. Court on its own motion Vs. The H.P. State The current public interest litigation Cooperative Bank Ltd., was drawn Suo moto by the court MANU/HP/0977/2014 upon treating the recommendation of the Finance/Purchase committed, formed to investigate the issue where Bank Authorities were making tax deductions on interest accrued on term deposits, as Public Interest Litigation. 11. Court on its own motion Vs. The Principal Secretary The current case was taken up Suo (I&PH) to the Govt. of H.P. and Ors., moto by the court on the information MANU/HP/0175/2012 brought to the notice of the Chief Justice that the sewerage treatment plant at MohallaDoli in District Hamirpur is situated close to the natural water supply.

JAMMU AND KASHMIR HIGH COURT

No Cases of Suo Moto cognizance after 2000

JHARKHAND HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Court on Its Own Motion Vs. GabrialKujur, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/JH/0852/2006 proceedings. 2. Court on its own motion Vs. State of Jharkhand, The court in this case Suo moto MANU/JH/1031/2006 initiated Criminal writ proceedings on the basis of a newspaper report containing information about ACJM recalling the warrant of arrest issued against the accused. 3. Court on its own motion Vs. The State of Jharkhand The court took up the case Suo moto and Ors., on the basis of a letter received by the MANU/JH/0062/2007 father of the deceased aggrieved by the conduct of the local police and the improper investigation of the death of the son. 4. Dhananjay Kumar Vs. State of Jharkhand and Ors., Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/JH/0966/2006 proceedings. 5. Jharkhand High Court (own motion) Vs. Babban Court initiated Suo moto contempt Ram, proceedings. MANU/JH/0407/2005 6. Court on its Own Motion Vs. State of Jharkhand, The court took up the case Suo moto MANU/JH/1914/2013 upon the safety measures and other related issues when a tragic accident happened wherein, an overcrowded boat capsized in Ranchi Lake. 7. Court On Its Own Motion Vs. State of Jharkhand High Court Suo moto registered large and Ors., number of public interest litigations MANU/JH/1039/2011 and ordered that large number of encroachments on the public sector units be removed from entire State of Jharkhand. 8. Court on its Own Motion Vs. The Principal The court Suo moto took cognizance Secretary, based on the news published in the MANU/JH/1112/2014 various newspapers relating to fasting of the prisoners regarding premature release of the life convicts, who have spent more than 14 years in prison. 9. Court on its Own Motion Vs. The State of The court took Suo moto cognizance Jharkhand, of the matter based on the report in MANU/JH/0735/2014 the daily newspaper "" about the appalling condition of the toilets in the State-run-schools. 10. Court on its Own MotionVs.The State of Jharkhand, The Court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/JH/1057/2014 in respect of the alleged trafficking of a girl in this case. 11. Court on its Own MotionVs.Union of India, The Court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/JH/1349/2014 of the report published in 'The Hindustan Times' regarding the devastating effect of Radiation emanating from the mining of Uranium on environment and population in village Jadugora, district-East Singhbhum in the State of Jharkhand. 12. Court on its Own MotionVs.Union of India and The court took Suo moto cognizance Ors., and registered a Public Interest MANU/JH/1864/2014 Litigation based on the news item published in Hindustan Times (English Edition) regarding alarming increase in pre-natal sex determination amongst the pregnant women in Jharkhand. 13. Court on its Own motionVs.The State of Jharkhand, The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/JH/1485/2014 of the news item reported in the newspaper, 'Times of India' relating to low rate of registration of births at 58% in the State of Jharkhand compared to National Level of 82% and initiated this as Public Interest Litigation. 14. Court on its own MotionVs.State of Jharkhand and The court Suo moto registered this Ors., case as Public Interest Litigation MANU/JH/0766/2010 taking notice of the newspaper publication wherein it was reported that in the midday meal, a lizard was found cooked and because of that, the mid-day meal eaten by the infant children, forty-eight have become seriously ill and the condition of the infant children were found in a precarious condition. 15. Court on its own motionVs.State of Jharkhand and The took up this matter Suo moto Ors., based on the newspaper report of MANU/JH/0119/2011 '' stating that there are number of buildings in the city, which have not submitted Completion Certificate to the local authorities and consequently no occupancy certificates have been issued by the local authorities. 16. Court on its own motionVs.The State of Jharkhand, The court took up this matter Suo MANU/JH/0908/2014 moto based on the new item published by the daily Newspaper "" (English Edition), it transpires that a major portion of Jubilee Lake has dense growth of aquatic plants algae causing imminent threat to human life and life of fishes. 17. Court on its own motion Vs. Union of India and The court took Suo moto cognizance others, on the basis of the news report MANU/JH/1025/2012 published by the Hindustan Times, Times of India (English Edition), Dainik Bhaskar, ( Edition) which transpired that Doctors of various Government Hospitals, Dispensaries remained off their duties on the call of the Indian Medical Association due to which several deaths were reported for want of proper treatment,lots of patient remained in constant unbearable pain due to illness, injuries, and a number of surgeries/operations were postponed and were not performed because Doctors were on strike.

KARNATAKA HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Suo Motu Vs. The Chief Secretary Government of The court in this matter took Suo Karnataka and The Chairman, Empowered moto cognizance based on a letter Committee Bangalore-Mysore Infrastructure addressed to the court along with the Corridor Project and Ors., book by name of "Bangalore-Mysore MANU/KA/0057/2009 Infrastructure Corridor Project - a Case Study in Fraud and Collusion to defeat the ends of justice and defraud courts" referring to Lok Ayukta for investigation. 2. Suo Motu Vs. The State of Karnataka represented by The High Court in this case Suo moto the Chief Secretary and Ors., initiated Public interest litigation MANU/KA/0275/2009 based on press report as to mysterious death of elephants in Mysore forest area. 3. High Court of Karnataka, Bangalore Vs. N.V. Court initiated Suo moto contempt Rinivasa, proceedings. MANU/KA/2249/2011 4. High Court of Karnataka, Represented by the Court initiated Suo moto contempt Registrar General Vs. Mr. Patrick Lawrence, proceedings. Proprietor, M/s. Lion Holding's, MANU/KA/2254/2013 5. Suo Motu Vs. Government of Karnataka, The court Suo moto took cognizance MANU/KA/2397/2014 in the current matter regarding the unfettered felling of trees brought to the notice of the Court by a letter expressing concern over the unregulated felling of trees in the garb of development and road widening in the City of Bangalore. 6. Suo Motu Vs. The State of Karnataka Rep. by The The court Suo moto initiated the Chief Secretary and Ors., present petition on directions of MANU/KA/2097/2013 Chief Justice pertaining to death of four elephants in Mysore Forest Area reported in daily newspaper. 7. The High Court of Karnataka rep. by its Registrar Court initiated Suo moto contempt General Vs. G. Ramesh S/o late C. Ganesh proceedings. Secretary of the Petitioner Institution and Smt. Pushpalatha W/o. Sri Satyanarayana K.L., MANU/KA/0913/2011

KERALA HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. In Re: M.S. Ravi and Ors., Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/KE/1298/2009'); proceedings. 2. Suo MotuVs.Sri M.S. Ravi, The Partner, Sri K.S. Court initiated Suo moto contempt Mani, Editor-in-Chief, Sri Deepu Ravi, Managing proceedings. Editor and Sri M.S. Madhusoosanan, MANU/KE/0022/2009 3. In Re: M.V. Jayarajan, Court initiated Suo moto contempt MANU/KE/2293/2011 proceedings. 4. Suo Motu Proceedings Vs. State of Kerala, The court took up this writ petition MANU/KE/0626/2014 Suo moto on the basis of a joint petition received from students of the Government Tribal School with regard to the lack of proper classrooms.

MADHYA PRADESH HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Encroachment over Tomb of Mohammad Ghaus Vs. The court took Suo moto cognizance The State of M.P. and Ors., in this matter on the basis of news MANU/MP/0123/2014 article published in daily newspaper "NaiDunia", Gwalior City Edition in regard to illegal activities in and around the premises of two monuments of historical importance.

TAMIL NADU (MADRAS) HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Additional District Judge-cum-Chief Judicial The court Suo moto initiated this Magistrate, petition by treating a letter of MANU/TN/1842/2002 Additional District Judge as petition which was sent to the court for requesting the transfer of a particular case to some other court. 2. B. Ramalingam, Formerly III Additional Judge, City The court Suo moto initiated Civil Court, Chennai now functioning as Additional contempt proceedings against the District Judge-cum-Presiding Officer, Special contemnor for not abiding by the Court, constituted under E.C. Act, Salem, orders of the high court. MANU/TN/2085/2005 3. C.R. Rajasekaran Vs. Judicial Magistrate, The court initiated Suo moto revision MANU/TN/0219/2003 petition on the basis of a letter written to the Chief Judicial Magistrate regarding the decision by a lower court in which there was non- compliance of the proper procedure. 4. Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority rep. The court initiated Suo moto revision by its Member Secretary, Chennai Vs. proceedings in this case in relation to AbdurRehman, Hotel Nest International, Chennai a number of suits which were and The Corporation of Chennai rep. by its entertained by a lower court the Commissioner, Chennai, jurisdiction of which was expressly MANU/TN/0359/2002 barred under the said act. The civil court did not have the jurisdiction and the suits were still entertained without looking into the issue of maintainability of the said suits. 5. Dr. S. Ramadoss and two Ors., Suo moto contempt proceedings MANU/TN/0138/2003 initiated by the court on the ground of disobedience in respect of the orders given by the high court. 6. The Registrar (Administration) Vs. The State of The court took Suo moto cognizance Tamil Nadu, and registered this writ petition as MANU/TN/6172/2006 public interest litigation on the basis of a news item which was published in "Daily Thanthi"highlighting illegal transportation of passengers in goods carriages. 7. In Re: The Chief Election Commissioner and Ors., The court Suo moto took cognizance MANU/TN/1955/2011 of the news item published in the newspaper "The Hindu" wherein certain statements made by the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu alleging excessive restrictions imposed by the Election Commission. 8. The Registrar (Judicial), Madurai Bench of Madras The court in this case took High Court Vs. The Secretary to Government, cognizance of the matter Suo moto Environment and Forest Department and Ors., on the basis of news reported in a MANU/TN/3125/2010 Tamil daily "Dina Malar" in regard to the dumping of wastage materials like broken plastics, used tyres, waste papers etc.in large quantities in the vacant place near the market situate opposite to Thidirnagar Police Station, Madurai. 9. In Re: Devan, Formerly the Inspector of Police, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/TN/1474/2004 contempt proceedings against the contemnor in relation to filing of a false affidavit. 10. In Re: R. Kaaruppan, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/TN/1418/2004 contempt proceedings against an advocate for professional misconduct 11. In Re: S. Durai, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/TN/2816/2002 contempt proceedings against the contemnor for making false allegations against the court. 12. In Re: The Additional District Judge-cum-Chief The court took up these revision Judicial Magistrate, Nagapattinam, proceedings Suo moto in respect of MANU/TN/3036/2002 whether the lower court which decided the case had the jurisdiction to try the case. 13. In the matter of Drunken Driving Vs. The Chief The court Suo moto initiated the Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu and Ors., present writ petition with regard to MANU/TN/4098/2009 the news item that appeared in The Times of India under the title 'CRACKDOWN ON DRUNK DRIVERS HITS RED TAPE’ in regard to the failure of the transport department in effectively implementing the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. 14. R. JeevaJothi Vs. Inspector of Police, The court initiated Suo moto criminal MANU/TN/7815/2007 revision petitionon coming to know about the irregularities committed by aJudicial Magistrate, while conducting an enquiry in a case. 15. Madras High Court Advocates' Association rep. by The court initiated this writ petition its PresidentVs.The State of Tamil Nadu rep. by the Suo moto on the basis of a lettersent Chief Secretary, The State of Tamil Nadu rep. by the by the Madras High Court Secretary Home Department, Mo. Kandasamy Singh Advocates’ Association with regard General Secretary All India Advocates' Association to appointment of a State and District (SC/ST/OBC and Minorities) and Women Lawyers' level committee to deal with Association rep. by its Secretary (Mrs. exclusive problems between police KoviRamalingam), and lawyers. MANU/TN/3080/2006 16. Nagarjuna Finance Ltd. Vs. Ashokraj and Anr., The court instituted Suo moto MANU/TN/0674/2000 contempt proceedings. 17. The Principal District Judge Vs. State represented The court initiated Suo moto revision by Public Prosecutor, High Court, proceedings based on the report MANU/TN/8191/2006 received from the Principal Sessions Judge after inspecting the Assistant Sessions Court, Panruti for the purpose of deciding whether the Assistant Sessions court has jurisdiction to try a case which was going on in the said court. 18. In Re: A. Venkatesan, S/o. T. Adikesavan, Assistant The court initiated Suo moto Section Officer, Attached to Home (P&E) contempt proceedings in this case in Department, Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai relation to the code of conduct within the court premises regarding the AND usage of Cell Phone or any other Digital or Electronic Device/Gadgets Appellants: V. Arun, Advocate, S/o. Mr. M. having audio/video recording Vaithilingam, ChennaiVs.Government of Tamil capability in any mode, inside the Nadu, rep. by its Chief Secretary, Secretariat, Court halls and the Court premises Chennai and Others, MANU/TN/2185/2012 19. In Re: G.S. Desingu, President, DRT/DRAT Bar The court initiated Suo moto Association, contempt proceeding in this case on MANU/TN/2983/2013 the basis of a letter the contents of which would clearly go to show that a serious offence had been made out and the same is not in the interest of the Bar & the Bench, and is also a clear and direct attempt to interfere with the administration of justice. 20. In Re: V. Raghavachar, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/TN/2548/2012 contempt proceedings against an advocate for having committed contempt of Court. 21. Krishnakumar Vs. The Chief Secretary to the Suo moto contempt proceedings Government of Tamil Nadu, initiated by the court. MANU/TN/0997/2014 22. Peter Ramesh Kumar Vs. Suo Motu, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/TN/2622/2013 contempt proceedings against the contemnor for committing gross contempt, obstructing the proceedings of the court and also for misbehaving with another advocated in the court.

MANIPUR, MEGHALAYA HIGH COURT

No cases on Suo moto cognizance

TRIPURA HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Court on own motion Vs. Narayan Kumar Das, The court took up this case Suo moto MANU/TR/0493/2014 involving granting of anticipatory bail. The petitioner who filed for grant of anticipatory bail was denied bail by the court of Additional Sessions Judge, the accused- petitioner was never arrested and he filed another application for bail within 10 days. The same court granted the bail in this second bail petition without any reference to the earlier bail and there were no new averments in the new bail petition.

ORISSA HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. PravakarMohapatra and Anr.Vs.State of Orissa, Suo moto contempt proceedings MANU/OR/0398/2001 initiated against a magistrate for overriding the directions of the high court. 2. The Secretary, Bar AssociationVs.Sri D. The court Suo moto initiated criminal Mohapatra, Executive Magistrate, revision proceedings in the matter MANU/OR/0237/2003 wherein a magistrate without considering the submission of the lawyer and without accepting the offer of bail, passed an order of remand and sent him to jail custody. 3. Registrar (Judl.) Orissa High Court Vs. State of The court Suo moto initiated this Orissa, Public Interest Litigation on the basis MANU/OR/0629/2010 of a news item published in "The Times of India" under the head line "Over 100 villagers lose vision after cataract operation" in an eye surgery camp held by a private organization with the aid and assistance of the district administration. 4. State of Orissa Vs. TarakantaMohapatra&Ors., The court initiated Suo moto MANU/OR/0314/2011 contempt proceeding against the contemnors for wilful violation of the order of the Court. 5. State Vs. Alekh Chandra Phai and Anr., The court in this case initiated Suo MANU/OR/0605/2010 moto contempt proceedings against police officials who misbehaved with a high court judge even after knowing his identity and the same was considered to have lowered the image of the high court.

PATNA HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. In Re: Report of the District & Sessions Judge; In The court Suo moto took the Re: suo motu action against the Superintendent of cognizance of the matter and initiated Police and Ors., proceedings of contempt for MANU/BH/0071/2003 criminally assaulting District Judge and officers & employees of Court establishment. 2. In Re: Sri Ram Krishna Pandey, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/BH/0726/2004 contempt proceedings against the contemnors forrefusal and/or failure on their part to carry out the undertakings/orders given by the court. 3. In the matter of Suo Motu action by the High Court The court took cognizance of the of Judicature at Patna and in Re: the matter of the matter Suo moto in this case on the citizens of the District of Jehanabad Vs. The State of basis of the news reports of almost all Bihar through the Chief Secretary, Secretary, Home newspapers which published the Director General of Police, Superintendent of report about police getting berserk Police, Jehanabad and the District Magistrate, and had unmercifully beaten the Jehanabad, women black and blue. MANU/BH/0148/2002 4. In Re: Suo Motu Contempt against V.C. & Reg. of The court in this case initiated Suo V.K.S.U., moto contempt proceedings against MANU/BH/1025/2009 the vice chancellor of the institution for non-compliance with the directions issues by the court. 5. In the matter of News reports published in the Times The court took up the matter Suo of India, dated 26th June, 2006 Vs. The State of moto as public interest litigation in Bihar &Ors., view of the amendment and addition MANU/BH/0603/2006 of Section 436A in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, right to bail to an under trial prisoner, which came to be published in "The Times of India”. This matter was initiated in order to issue directions and take measures for the effective and efficient enforcement of the amended provision. 6. Jai Kishun Singh Vs. Union of India (UOI) and The court in this case took Suo moto Ors., cognizance on the basis of a news MANU/BH/0006/2006 item that was published in the daily newspaper "Hindustan Times" alleging that many undeserving and ineligible persons are receiving freedom fighters pension. 7. Suo Motu action by the High Court in a matter The court took Suo moto cognizance relating to Fresh Water Dolphin Vs. The State of in this matter on the issue that the Bihar and Ors., Gangetic Dolphin found within the MANU/BH/0906/2001 territory of Bihar in the river Ganges and its tributaries are endangered. 8. Suo Motu action by the High Court Vs. State of The court in this case Suo moto Bihar and Ors., issued orders to the state government MANU/BH/0432/2001 to prepare a list of list of Mukhiyas who may have been convicted of an offence, or were inherently disqualified under law so as not to be the members of Panchayats. 9. High Court Legal Aid Committee Vs. State of Bihar The court Suo moto initiated this and Ors., petition in order to comply with the MANU/BH/0652/2011 direction issued by Supreme Court in the decision of Sheela Barse v. Union of India and Anr. to High Court to protect and improve the conditions of the non-criminal, mentally challenged women illegally incarcerated in the jail. 10. In the matter of initiating contempt proceeding in The court took Suo moto cognizance connection with obstruction of Court of Justice at of the matter in this case and initiated Civil Court, Patna City Vs. Gopal Prasad Singh and contempt proceedings where a Ors., section of lawyers obstructed and MANU/BH/0072/2014 virtually paralyzed the normal functioning of the Patna City Civil Court. No judicial work was permitted to be conducted by the civil court.

PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Court On Its Own Motion Vs. A.J. Philip, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/PH/0941/2004 contempt proceedings against a newspaper in relation to publication of an incorrect news item regarding inclusion of name of a High Court Judge in an FIR which was considered as an attempt to cast aspersions on the High Court as an Institution to bring it to disrepute and lower its prestige in the mind of public. 2. Court on its Own Motion Vs. B.I.S. Chahal, The court in this case initiated Suo MANU/PH/0957/2009 moto contempt proceedings in relation to the contemnor, the then Joint Secretary of the Sports Department, who interfered and used his influence and successfully stalled production of the original records of the Sports Department before the Court. 3. Court on its Own Motion Vs. ManeeshChibber, The court in this matter Suo moto Senior Correspondent, Hindustan Times Ltd., initiated contempt proceedings MANU/PH/0658/2004 against the correspondent of Hindustan Times in relation to an attempt to spread rumours against the sitting judge of the high court and to tarnish his image. 4. Court on its own Motion Vs. Ajay Bansal and Ors., The court initiated Suo moto MANU/PH/0185/2004 contempt proceedings on the basis of new item published in the Times of India and in , in relation to undermining and tarnishing the authority and the image of the high court. 5. Court On Its Own Motion Vs. State of Punjab and The court Suo moto registered Suo Others, moto this writ petition on the matter MANU/PH/1011/2012 of a large number of convicts who were granted parole and same jumped the parole. 6. Court On its Own Motion Vs. Rachpal Singh, The court initiated this contempt MANU/PH/0526/2011 petition Suo moto on the basis of a news item appearing in the edition of Tribune, which referred to the conduct of the alleged contemnor with regard to flashing a pistol in the Court of Judicial Magistrate Ist Class, Gidderbaha, while facing trial as an accused. 7. Court on its own Motion Vs. State of Haryana, The current case was registered by MANU/PH/0965/2011 the court Suo moto pertaining to FIR, six cases were registered against a juvenile-accused in Delhi and out of six cases, juvenile accused has already been discharged in four cases and has been acquitted in one case and in the sixth case, he was found guilty and was sentenced to the period already undergone. The question was with regard to bail to the said juvenile. 8. Court on its Own Motion Vs. Malook Singh, The court in this case initiated Suo MANU/PH/0415/2013 moto contempt proceedings for violation of notice of the interim stay granted by the court whereby the person whose arrest had been stayed, was taken into custody. 9. Court on its own Motion Vs. State of Haryana and The court registered Suo moto writ others, petition in this case on the basis of a MANU/PH/2488/2011 note of a Single Judge of this Court in which the judge after having inspected the Central Jail at Sonepat, during the course of the annual inspection, had suggested that telephone/STD facilities in the jail premises be provided to the inmates on the same lines as provided in Tihar Jail, Delhi. 10. Court on its own Motion Vs. State of Punjab, The Court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/PH/0090/2011 of a news item appearing in Hindustan times highlighting that SHO of Police Station was found guilty in a judicial enquiry for custodial death on account of poisoning in Police Station. 11. Court on its own motion Vs. State of Punjab, The court Suo moto placed this MANU/PH/2562/2014 petition as a Public Interest Litigation after a Suo moto notice was taken by a Single Judge about the pathetic and horrible sanitation conditions, defacement and destruction of public property by the residents of Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali. This Court after seeing various photographs, which appeared in the "Daily Chandigarh" issued the proceedings. 12. Court on its own motion Vs. State of Punjab and The court in this case took up Suo Ors., moto the writ petition based on the MANU/PH/1869/2010 notice of a single judge who while hearing the criminal appeals noticed that in some of the cases, the remissions were granted to the convicts more than the actual sentence they had undergone, he further noticed that the convicts had been allowed remissions even in heinous cases in a very casual/liberal/lackadaisical manner. The note of the Single Judge was placed before the then Chief Justice after which Suo moto notice of the matter was taken. 13. Court on its own motion Vs. State of Punjab The court took up Suo moto AND cognizance in this case based on two Hemant Goswami and Another Vs. Union of India new items depicting appalling and Others conditions of the Children Homes run AND by the Department of Women and The National Commission for the Protection of Children and the Observation Homes Child Rights (NCPCR) Vs. The State of Haryana run by the Department of Social and Others, Security. The court took up this issue MANU/PH/0599/2013 in relation to the proper and effective implementation of the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000. 14. Court on its own motion Vs. U.T., Chandigarh and The court Suo moto registered this others, PIL on the basis of a noteof the then MANU/PH/0885/2012 Administrative Judge, Chandigarh Division with regard to the investigations remaining pending beyond 60/90 days resulting in a situation where the accused in such cases are still languishing in jails. A list of 58 cases where investigations have not been completed was enclosed with the note. 15. Rampal Singh Tomar Vs. State of Haryana and The court registered this case Suo Ors., moto on the direction of the chief MANU/PH/0790/2015 justice on the basis of a complaint received by him that the petitioner's son had not committed suicide as it was made out to be, but it was a case of homicide. The complaint alleged that there were several circumstances in the case which were not properly investigated.

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. Rajasthan High Court Advocate Association and The court in this case Suo moto Anr. Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors., registered the public interest petition MANU/RH/1382/2009 for questioning the continued lawlessness in colleges and universities during student's union elections. 2. Suo Motu Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors., The court in this case initiated the MANU/RH/0318/2005 public interest petition Suo moto with regard to the depiction of women in an undignified manner by the media and the television channels. 3. Suo Moto Vs. Rajasthan University and Ors., The court registered this petition Suo MANU/RH/1076/2007 moto on the basis of a report that the University Teacher’s i.e. Professors, Associate Professors, Assistant Professors and teacher who are entitle to pension and other retirement benefits on attaining age of superannuation, are likely to be in trouble because Pension Funds of the Universities are drastically squeezing. 4. Suo Moto Vs. State and Ors., The court Suo moto took cognizance MANU/RH/1331/2009 in this matter. This matter pertains to famous Amer Fort and palace which was declared as a protected monument under the provisions of the Rajasthan Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Antiquities Act, 1961. A mishap of falling of wall causing injuries to the people took place while film shooting was going on, film shooting was instantly stayed for the purpose of knowing about the work performed in the protected monument and other aspects. 5. Suo Moto Vs. State of Rajasthan, The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/RH/0097/2005 in this matter wherein the regional Newspapers reported about an incident of rape on a foreign lady tourist. 6. Suo Moto Vs. State of Rajasthan, The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/RH/0034/2007 of this matter on the basis of news flashed in various newspapers regarding rape of a German lady tourist by an auto rickshaw driver. 7. Suo Motu Vs. Mahendra Kumar Sharma, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/RH/0304/2007 contempt proceedings against the Deputy Registrar (Judicial) in relation to non-compliance of the orders passed by the court. 8. Suo Motu Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors., The court took up the Present petition MANU/RH/0426/2004 Suo moto in relation to the issue of cleanliness of the Jaipur city which has since been suffering from a number of problems. 9. The State of Rajasthan Vs. Hem Raj Jain, The court initiated Suo moto MANU/RH/0607/2000 contempt petition against the petitioner in this case for his representation to the Chief Minister and the Law Minister of Rajasthan, in which he made baseless, malicious and scandalous allegations against Rajasthan Judiciary. 10. Retired Agriculture Lecturers Employees of The court initiated this Suo moto writ Agriculture UniversityVs.State of Rajasthan and petition on the basis of news item Ors., that appeared in a daily newspaper MANU/RH/0819/2010'); '' under caption "SewanivrataKrishi Shikshak- Karmchari Do Maaha Se Pareshan - 1100 Ko Pension Nahi" in relation to the retired personnel of various categories who haven’t been granted pension. 11. Suo Moto Vs. Bharat Bhushan Pareek, The court took up this matter Suo MANU/RH/0522/2014'); moto in relation to call of strike given by the Bar Associations at the District Court, Jaipur and the High Court, the judicial work in all courts at Jaipur, including at the High Court and many other courts outside the Jaipur, hampered and paralysed for one week due to the same. 12. Suo Moto Vs. Respondent: Manoj Sharma And anr., The court initiated Suo moto MANU/RH/0812/2013 contempt proceedings on account of the disruption of judicial proceedings by the contemnor. 13. Suo Motu Vs. State of Rajasthan, The court in this case took MANU/RH/0357/2012 cognizance of the matter Suo moto taking note of alarming situation of water scarcity in the city of Jaipur focused in the newspapers indicating reasons for premature death of Ramgarh dam. It was not due to natural disaster but on account of large scale inaction on the part of the State Government coupled with illegal acts of others. 14. Suo Motu Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors., The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/RH/1461/2014 of the matter based on the news item published in English Newspaper "The Times of India" (Jaipur edition) with a title "Dirty lakes, dead fish mark end of festive season" appeared, giving details of the ills suffered by the lakes of Udaipur city due to ignorance of the residents of the city. 15. Suo Motu Vs. State of Rajasthan and Ors., The court took Suo moto cognizance MANU/RH/0888/2010 on this matter on de-acquisition of the land of Prithviraj Nagar Scheme at Jaipur. The aforesaid cognizance was taken in the light of the fact that earlier the State Government took a decision to acquire vast chunk of land for planned development of the scheme named as Prithviraj Nagar Yojna, when the said acquisition was challenged, through appeal it went till the apex court which held it to be valid, even after that the land was de- aquired.

SIKKIM HIGH COURT

S. No. Case Subject Matter 1. In Re: Writer Constable 1626 The court initiated Suo moto criminal DamberBahadurChhetri and Ors., revision proceedings under orders of MANU/SI/0006/2000 the Chief Justice in exercise under Section 397 read with Section 401 of the CRPC, 1973 questioning legality of the Judgment of conviction. 2. K.S. Gurung Vs. Ramananda Prasad and Anr., The court initiated Suo moto criminal MANU/SI/0007/2000 revision proceedings under orders of the Chief Justice for correctness, legality and propriety of the order. 3. State of Sikkim Vs. Buglar Muslim, The court initiated Suo moto criminal ANU/SI/0007/2001 revision proceedings for checking the correctness, legality and propriety of the order. 4. State of Sikkim Vs. Deepen Rai and Ors., The court initiated Suo moto criminal MANU/SI/0009/2000 revision proceedings for checking the correctness, legality and propriety of the order. 5. State of Sikkim Vs. TekBahadurTamang and Anr., The court initiated Suo moto criminal MANU/SI/0012/2000 revision proceedings for checking the correctness, legality and propriety of the order. 6. Suo Moto Vs. The Secretary, Ministry of Surface The court took Suo moto cognizance Transport, Department of Road Transport and and initiated this Public Interest Highways, Government of India and Ors., Litigation on the basis of the widely MANU/SI/0031/2010 reported news in relation to the poor conditions of the National Highway 31-A, the North Sikkim Highway and the Gangtok-Nathula Road (Jawaharlal Nehru Marg) that had persisted for a considerable period of time causing grave inconvenience for the smooth movement of traffic.

UTTARAKHAND HIGH COURT

No cases of Suo mot cognizance/action.

LEVEL II ANALYSIS:

S. No. Courts Number of Contempt Public Revision Any other Suo moto Proceedings Interest Petition action cases Petition 1. Supreme Court 16 9 6 - 1 2. Allahabad High Court 13 7 5 1 - 3. Andhra Pradesh High 10 7 3 - - Court 4. Bombay High Court 17 10 6 - 1 5. Calcutta High Court 4 4 - - - 6. Chhattisgarh High - - - - - Court 7. Delhi High Court 21 7 10 - 4 8. Guwahati High Court 3 2 1 - - 9. Gujarat High Court 6 3 3 - - 10. Himachal Pradesh 11 - 10 - 1 High Court 11. Jammu and Kashmir - - - - - High Court 12. Jharkhand High Court 17 3 10 2 2 13. Karnataka High Court 7 3 3 - 1 14. Kerala High Court 4 3 1 - - 15. Madhya Pradesh High 1 - 1 - - Court 16. Tamil Nadu (Madras) 22 11 2 6 3 High Court 17. Manipur High Court - - - - - 18. Meghalaya High Court - - - - - 19. Tripura High Court 1 - - 1 - 20. Orissa High Court 5 3 1 1 - 21. Patna High Court 10 4 3 - 3 22. Punjab and Haryana 15 6 3 1 5 High Court 23. Rajasthan High Court 15 3 11 - 1 24. Sikkim High Court 6 - 1 5 - 25. Uttarakhand High - - - - - Court

LEVEL III ANALYSIS

SUPREME COURT

0% 6% Contempt 38% 56% Public Interest Petition Revision Petition Any other

ALLAHABAD HIGH COURT

0% 8%

Contempt 38% 54% Public Interest Petition Revision Petition Any other

ANDHRA PRADESH HIGH COURT

0% 0%

30% Contempt Public Interest Petition 70% Revision Petition Any other

BOMBAY HIGH COURT

0% 6%

35% Contempt 59% Public Interest Petition Revision Petition Any other

CALCUTTA HIGH COURT

0%

Contempt Public Interest Petition Revision Petition 100% Any other

DELHI HIGH COURT

0% 19% Contempt 33% Public Interest Petition Revision Petition 48% Any other

GUJARAT HIGH COURT

0% 0%

Contempt 50% 50% Public Interest Petition Revision Petition Any other

HIMACHAL PRADESH HIGH COURT

0% 0% 9% Contempt Public Interest Petition

91% Revision Petition Any other

JHARKHAND HIGH COURT

12% 17% 12% Contempt Public Interest Petition Revision Petition 59% Any other

KARNATAKA HIGH COURT

0% 14% 43% Contempt Public Interest Petition 43% Revision Petition Any other

MADRAS HIGH COURT

14% Contempt 50% 27% Public Interest Petition Revision Petition 9% Any other

ORISSA HIGH COURT

17% Contempt 17% 50% Public Interest Petition

16% Revision Petition Any other

PATNA HIGH COURT

30% 40% Contempt Public Interest Petition Revision Petition 30% 0% Any other

PUNJAB AND HARYANA HIGH COURT

33% 40% Contempt Public Interest Petition 7% Revision Petition 20% Any other

RAJASTHAN HIGH COURT

0% 7% 20% Contempt Public Interest Petition

73% Revision Petition Any other

SIKKIM HIGH COURT

0% 0%

17% Contempt Public Interest Petition 83% Revision Petition Any other