Draft, waiting for review
The five writs
A writ is a written order of a court. The Supreme Court issues writs under Article 32 to enforce Fundamental Rights. A High Court issues them under Article 226, for Fundamental Rights and for any other purpose, so its writ power is wider.
| Writ | Meaning | What the court orders |
|---|---|---|
| Habeas corpus | You may have the body | Bring a detained person before the court; release the person if the detention is illegal. |
| Mandamus | We command | A public official or body must perform a public duty it has failed to do. |
| Prohibition | To forbid | A lower court or tribunal must stop a case that is outside its jurisdiction. |
| Certiorari | To be certified | The order of a lower court or tribunal is quashed, or the case is moved to the higher court. |
| Quo warranto | By what authority | A person holding a public office must show the legal authority for holding it. |
Remember. Prohibition stops a case that is still going on. Certiorari acts after the order has been given.