Match the following:

Writs		Meaning
A.	Habeas Corpus	1.	Correctional directions to subordinate courts
B.	Mandamus	2.	Unlawful detention
C.	Quo Warranto	3.	Non-performance of public duties
D.	Certiorari	4.	Unlawful occupation of public office

the correct answer is A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1.

Key Points

• The Supreme Court (Article 32) and the High courts (Article 226) can issue various writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights under Part III of the Indian Constitution.
• The Parliament (Article 32) can also empower any other court to issue the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari, and also the quo-warranto.
• Habeas Corpus
  • A Latin term which literally means ‘to have the body of’.
  • It is an order which is issued by the court to a person who has detained another person to produces the body of the latter before it.
  • The court then examines the cause and the legality of the detention.
  • It is the only writ that can be issued both against public authorities as well as private individuals.
• Mandamus 
  • It literally means ‘we command’.
  • It is issued by the court to the public official asking him to perform the official duties that he has failed or refused to perform.
• Prohibition
  • It means ‘to forbid’
  • It is issued by the higher court to the lower court or the tribunal to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess.
• Certiorari
  • It means ‘to be certified’ or sometimes ‘to be informed’.
  • It is issued by a higher court to the lower court or the tribunal either to transfer a case pending with the latter to itself or to squash the order of the latter is the case.
• Quo-Warranto
  • It means ‘by what authority or warrants’.
  • It is issued by the court to inquire into the legality of the claim of the person to the public office.
  • It prevents an illegal usurpation of the public office by the person.