When a writ of Mandamus cannot be issued?

The writ of mandamus cannot be issued:

• Against a private individual or body
• To enforce departmental instruction that does not possess statutory force
• When the duty is discretionary and not mandatory
• To enforce a contractual obligation
• Against the President of India or the state governors
• Against the chief justice of a high court acting in a judicial capacity

Further Reading:

• Types of Writs
• Right to Constitutional Remedies
• Indian Judiciary