Types of Writs - What are Writs? - Indian Polity Notes

What is Writ?

Writs are a written order from the Supreme Court or High Court that commands constitutional remedies for Indian Citizens against the violation of their fundamental rights. Article 32 in the Indian Constitution deals with constitutional remedies that an Indian citizen can seek from the Supreme Court of India and High Court against the violation of his/her fundamental rights. The same article gives the Supreme Court power to issue writs for the enforcement of rights whereas the High Court has the same power under Article 226. The writs- Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Certiorari, Quo Warranto, and Prohibition form an important topic for IAS Exam and its three stages- Prelims, Mains, and Interview.

This article will mention the types of writs that come under the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts, forming an important part of IAS Mains GS-II and Political Science optional paper of the UPSC Exam.

Types of Writs in India

The Supreme Court of India is the defender of the fundamental rights of the citizens. For that, it has original and wide powers. It issues five kinds of writs for enforcing the fundamental rights of the citizens. The five types of writs are:

1. Habeas Corpus
2. Mandamus
3. Prohibition
4. Certiorari
5. Quo-Warranto

Aspirants should go through these writs one-by-one as all of these are important for UPSC prelims and UPSC Mains and can help score well if understood with clarity.

Habeas Corpus

The Latin meaning of the word ‘Habeas Corpus’ is ‘To have the body of.’ This writ is used to enforce the fundamental right of individual liberty against unlawful detention. Through Habeas Corpus, Supreme Court/High Court orders one person who has arrested another person to bring the body of the latter before the court.

Facts about Habeas Corpus in India:

• The Supreme Court or High Court can issue this writ against both private and public authorities.
• Habeas Corpus can not be issued in the following cases:
  • When detention is lawful
  • When the proceeding is for contempt of a legislature or a court
  • Detention is by a competent court
  • Detention is outside the jurisdiction of the court

Mandamus

The literal meaning of this writ is ‘We command.’ This writ is used by the court to order the public official who has failed to perform his duty or refused to do his duty, to resume his work. Besides public officials, Mandamus can be issued against any public body, a corporation, an inferior court, a tribunal, or government for the same purpose.

Facts about Mandamus in India:

• Unlike Habeas Corpus, Mandamus cannot be issued against a private individual
• Mandamus can not be issued in the following cases:
  • To enforce departmental instruction that does not possess statutory force
  • To order someone to work when the kind of work is discretionary and not mandatory
  • To enforce a contractual obligation
  • Mandamus can’t be issued against the Indian President or State Governors
  • Against the Chief Justice of a High Court acting in a judicial capacity

For more on the writ of mandamus, click on the linked article.

Prohibition

The literal meaning of ‘Prohibition’ is ‘To forbid.’ A court that is higher in position issues a Prohibition writ against a court that is lower in position to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess. It directs inactivity.

Facts about Prohibition in India:

• Writ of Prohibition can only be issued against judicial and quasi-judicial authorities.
• It can’t be issued against administrative authorities, legislative bodies and private individuals or bodies.

Certiorari

The literal meaning of the writ of ‘Certiorari’ is ‘To be certified’ or ‘To be informed.’ This writ is issued by a court higher in authority to a lower court or tribunal ordering them either to transfer a case pending with them to itself or quash their order in a case. It is issued on the grounds of an excess of jurisdiction or lack of jurisdiction or error of law. It not only prevents but also cures for the mistakes in the judiciary.

Facts about Certiorari in India:

• Pre-1991: The writ of Certiorari used to be issued only against judicial and quasi-judicial authorities and not against administrative authorities
• Post-1991: The Supreme Court ruled that the certiorari can be issued even against administrative authorities affecting the rights of individuals
• It cannot be issued against legislative bodies and private individuals or bodies.

Quo-Warranto

The literal meaning of the writ of ‘Quo-Warranto’ is ‘By what authority or warrant.’ Supreme Court or High Court issue this writ to prevent illegal usurpation of a public office by a person. Through this writ, the court enquires into the legality of a claim of a person to a public office

Facts about Quo-Warranto in India:

• Quo-Warranto can be issued only when the substantive public office of a permanent character created by a statute or by the Constitution is involved
• It can’t be issued against private or ministerial office

Note: This writ gives the right to seek redressal to any individual other than the aggrieved person.

General Facts about Writs in India:

• Article 32 also empowers Parliament to authorize any other court to issue these writs
• Before 1950, only the High Courts of Calcutta, Bombay and Madras had the power to issue the writs
• Article 226 empowers all the High Courts of India to issue the writs
• Writs of India are borrowed from English law where they are known as ‘Prerogative writs’

CSE exam aspirants must also know the difference between the Writ Jurisdiction of Supreme Court and High Court, as discussed below.

How Writ Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court Differs from that of the High Court?

Where Article 32 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs; Article 226 empowers the High Courts of India. However, there are a few differences between the writ jurisdiction of both the courts which are given in the table below:

The details of writs are important for UPSC 2024 as questions can appear in prelims related to the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and more.

To know in detail about the IAS Syllabus, aspirants must check out the official notification and analyse the exam pattern and the subjects included in the written papers for the UPSC examination.

Also, refer to the previous year IAS Topper list and get inspired and motivated from their success stories.