Q1. Which of the following writs can be issued against private individuals?
- Mandamus
- Certiorari
- Habeas Corpus
- Prohibition
Correct Option: 3. Habeas Corpus
Explanation: Habeas Corpus protects personal liberty by compelling the person detaining someone to present them before the court. It can be issued against both public authorities and private individuals, unlike other writs which are generally issued against public authorities only.
Q2. Under Article 226, a High Court can issue writs for the enforcement of:
- Directive Principles of State Policy only
- Fundamental Rights only
- Ordinary legal rights only
- Both Fundamental and ordinary legal rights
Correct Option: 4. Both Fundamental and ordinary legal rights
Explanation: High Courts under Article 226 have wider writ jurisdiction than the Supreme Court. They can issue writs not just for Fundamental Rights but “for any other purpose”, i.e., legal rights as well.
Q3. Which writ literally means “We command”?
- Habeas Corpus
- Mandamus
- Certiorari
- Quo-Warranto
Correct Option: 2. Mandamus
Explanation: Mandamus means “we command” and is issued by a court to direct a public official or authority to perform a public/legal duty which they have failed or refused to perform.
Q4. Certiorari can be issued in which of the following cases?
- Against a private individual
- Against Parliament
- Against an administrative authority affecting rights
- Against the President of India
Correct Option: 3. Against an administrative authority affecting rights
Explanation: Originally, certiorari was issued only against judicial/quasi-judicial authorities, but after a 1991 Supreme Court ruling, it can also be issued against administrative authorities if they affect individual rights.
Q5. Who can seek the writ of Quo-Warranto?
- Only the person aggrieved
- Only a government servant
- Any interested person
- Only a legal practitioner
Correct Option: 3. Any interested person
Explanation: Unlike other writs, Quo-Warranto can be sought by any interested citizen, not just the aggrieved party. It questions the authority of someone occupying a public office.