A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:

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Question

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: C — the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a caseStep-by-step Solution:The Writ of Prohibition is one of the five constitutional writs available under Articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution of India. It is an order issued by a superior court (Supreme Court or High Court) to a lower court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial authority directing it to stop the proceedings in a case that is beyond its jurisdiction or involves a violation of the principles of natural justice.Key characteristics of the Writ of Prohibition: It is a preventive writ — it prevents the lower court from proceeding further with a case; It is issued when the inferior court is about to act without jurisdiction, or in excess of jurisdiction, or contrary to the rules of natural justice; It can only be issued against judicial and quasi-judicial authorities — NOT against executive/administrative authorities, legislative bodies, or private individuals/organisations; It differs from Certiorari — while Certiorari quashes an already decided order (curative), Prohibition prevents further proceeding (preventive).Why other options are incorrect:Option A (Government officer — particular action): This describes the Writ of Mandamus (or Prohibition in a loose sense) but not specifically Prohibition. Mandamus directs a public authority to perform its duty; Prohibition prevents a court/tribunal from exceeding jurisdiction. Writs against government officers would typically be Mandamus or Certiorari. ✗Option B (Parliament to pass a law on Prohibition): No constitutional writ can direct Parliament to pass a specific law. Parliament has sovereign legislative power. This option fundamentally misunderstands the nature of writs. ✗Option D (Government — unconstitutional policy): This would be addressed through a Writ of Mandamus (directing government to act or stop acting) or through a Writ Petition challenging the policy. Prohibition is specifically directed at courts/tribunals, not executive governments. ✗Key Concept: Five Constitutional Writs (Articles 32 and 226): Habeas Corpus ('produce the body') — used to secure release of a person illegally detained. Mandamus ('we command') — directs a public authority to perform its mandatory duty. Certiorari ('to be certified') — quashes an already passed order of a lower court/tribunal that exceeded jurisdiction or violated natural justice; curative writ. Prohibition — prevents a lower court/tribunal from proceeding further when it is acting without/in excess of jurisdiction; preventive writ. Quo Warranto ('by what authority') — challenges a person's right to hold a public office. Note: Prohibition and Certiorari are available only against judicial and quasi-judicial bodies. Mandamus is available against public authorities but not courts in exercise of judicial functions. Habeas Corpus is available against state and private parties. Quo Warranto is available for public offices of substantive character.

A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:

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A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:

Master UPSC Prelims with Our Test Series

More Questions from Supreme Court – Powers, Jurisdiction & Landmark Cases

Frequently Asked Questions