How many types of writs are issued by the Supreme Court?

The correct answer is 5.

Key Points

• The Supreme Court of India issues five types of writs for enforcing fundamental rights.
• The five types of writs are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo-Warranto.
• These writs are mentioned under Article 32 and Article 226 of the Indian Constitution.
• Writs are powerful instruments for the protection of the rights of individuals and act as a check on the exercise of power by public authorities.

Additional Information

• Habeas Corpus:
  • It means 'to have the body of'.
  • This writ is used to secure the release of a person who has been unlawfully detained.
• Mandamus:
  • It means 'we command'.
  • This writ is issued to direct any public authority or governmental body to perform its duty which it has failed to perform.
• Prohibition:
  • This writ means 'to forbid'.
  • It is issued by a higher court to a lower court to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction it does not possess.
• Certiorari:
  • It means 'to be certified'.
  • This writ is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to transfer a case pending with the latter to the higher authority for review.
• Quo-Warranto:
  • It means 'by what authority'.
  • This writ is issued to restrain a person from holding a public office to which he is not entitled.