Match the below 'writs' with their correct 'constitutional purpose':
| Column A: Writs | Column B: Purpose |
|---|---|
| 1. Habeas Corpus | (a) To prevent unlawful detention |
| 2. Mandamus | (b) Direct a person to perform public duty |
| 3. Certiorari | (c) Transfer/quash proceedings of a lower court or tribunal |
| 4. Quo Warranto | (d) To inquire into illegal occupation of office |
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d
Explanation
The correct matching of the constitutional writs with their respective purposes is explained below:
Habeas Corpus matches with (b) To prevent unlawful detention. The literal meaning of Habeas Corpus is 'to have the body of.' It is an order issued by the court to a person or authority who has detained another person, bringing them before the court to examine the legality of the detention. If the detention is found unlawful, the person is set free.
Mandamus matches with (a) Direct a person to perform public duty. The literal meaning of Mandamus is 'we command.' It is a command issued by a higher court to a public official, public body, corporation, inferior court, tribunal, or government, asking them to perform a public duty that they have failed or refused to perform.
Certiorari matches with (c) Transfer of pending case. The literal meaning of Certiorari is 'to be certified' or 'to be informed.' It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal either to transfer a case pending with the latter to itself or to quash the order already passed by the lower court due to excess of jurisdiction or error of law.
Quo Warranto matches with (d) To inquire into illegal occupation of office. The literal meaning of Quo Warranto is 'by what authority or warrant.' It is issued by the court to inquire into the legality of the claim of a person to a public office, preventing the illegal usurpation or occupation of a public office by anyone.
Therefore, the correct combination is 1-b, 2-a, 3-c, 4-d.
Key Points
In the Indian Constitution, the Supreme Court has the power to issue these writs under Article 32 for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights.
High Courts also possess the power to issue these writs under Article 226, not only for fundamental rights but also for any other ordinary legal purpose, making the writ jurisdiction of High Courts wider than that of the Supreme Court.
Important Questions and Answers
Question: Which article of the Indian Constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights?
Answer: Article 32 (often referred to as the 'Heart and Soul of the Constitution' by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar).
Question: Which writ can be issued against both public authorities and private individuals?
Answer: Habeas Corpus (the other four writs can only be issued against public or quasi-public authorities).