Question

________ is an order of a superior court commanding a person holding a public office or a public authority to do or not to do something, in the nature of public duty?

• A. Mandamus
• B. Habeas Corpus
• C. Certiorari
• D. Prohibition

Hint:

Use \textbf{Mandamus} to enforce public duties.
Not applicable against private persons or the President/Governor.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understand the writ of Mandamus
“Mandamus” is Latin for “we command”. It is a constitutional remedy in the form of a command from a higher court (High Court or Supreme Court) to a public official or body to perform a public duty that it has failed or refused to do.
Step 2: Rule out other writs
- Habeas Corpus – issued to release a person unlawfully detained.
- Certiorari – issued to quash orders of lower courts or tribunals.
- Prohibition – issued to prevent lower courts from exceeding jurisdiction.
Hence, only Mandamus fits the definition given in the question.