Writ of Prohibition UPSC Prelims PYQ 2024

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

1. a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
2. the parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
3. the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
4. the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.

Explanation

Option (c) is correct

• Writ of Prohibition (“To forbid”): Issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction it does not possess. While the writ of ‘Mandamus’ directs activity, the writ of ‘Prohibition’ directs inactivity.
• Against whom: Issued only against judicial and quasi-judicial bodies and cannot be issued against administrative authorities, legislative bodies, or private entities.

Answer: (c) the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case; Difficulty Level: Easy