Question

A command by a court asking a public authority to perform its public duty is called the writ of ___________________.

• A. Habeas corpus.
• B. Quo warranto.
• C. Mandamus.
• D. Prohibition.

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Mandamus.

The Constitution of India under Articles 32 and 226 empower the Supreme Court and the High Courts respectively to issue 5 kinds of prerogative writs for upholding fundamental rights guaranteed to persons under Part III of the Constitution. Writ of mandamus is one of such writs. The term 'mandamus' has been derived from the Latin word meaning 'we command'. In common law jurisdictions the superior court issues this writ to lower courts or a government official to order them to perform a mandatory duty in the correct manner. It was issued for the first time in 1615 in England against a mayor to restore a person removed illegally from office, to his position. The writ was introduced in India through the Letters Patent creating the Supreme Court in Calcutta in 1773 and has gained immense importance with time.