Writs

Powers

• Article 32: Writ power to SC throughout country only for enforcement of FR. Writ power to SC is part of Basic Structure Doctrine as per L Chandra Kumar v UoI 1997 hence cannot be amended.
• Article 226: Writ powers to HC for FR, Statutory Rights
• HC hence has broader jurisdiction

Types of Writs

Habeas Corpus

• release of person unlawfully detained / imprisoned
• present person before court

Mandamus

• ”we command”
• higher court $\to$ lower court, public authority or govt official
• to prevent misuse of power or neglect of duty

Prohibition

• higher court $\to$ lower court / tribunal to prevent it from exceeding its jurisdiction or acting contrary to laws

Certiorari

• ”to certify”
• transfer case from lower to higher court esp. when question of jurisdiction

Quo Warranto

• inquires legality of person’s claim to hold public office