Important MCQs on Writs (UPSC Standard)
Q1. Which of the following writs is known as the "great writ of liberty"?
A) Mandamus
B) Certiorari
C) Habeas Corpus
D) Prohibition
Answer: C) Habeas Corpus
Explanation: It is used to release a person who has been detained unlawfully.
Q2. The writ of Mandamus cannot be issued against:
1. A private individual
2. The President of India
3. A statutory body
4. A public officer
Select the correct answer using the code below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2 and 3
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 3 and 4
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Explanation: Mandamus lies against a public authority, but not against a private individual or the President.
Q3. Which writ is issued to quash an order of a lower court or tribunal that has acted without
or in excess of jurisdiction?
A) Mandamus
B) Prohibition
C) Certiorari
D) Quo Warranto
Answer: C) Certiorari
Explanation: Certiorari is corrective and removes a case from a lower court to a higher court for review.
Q4. The writ of Prohibition is issued by a higher court:
A) After the lower court has made a judgment
Important MCQs on Writs (UPSC Standard)
B) To prevent the lower court from exceeding its jurisdiction
C) To command a person to do a particular thing
D) Against private bodies only
Answer: B) To prevent the lower court from exceeding its jurisdiction
Explanation: It is preventive and issued before judgment is passed.
Q5. The writ of Quo Warranto is issued to:
A) Direct a lower court to transfer a case
B) Prevent unlawful detention
C) Remove a person from a public office
D) Command performance of public duty
Answer: C) Remove a person from a public office
Explanation: It questions the legal authority of a person holding a public office.
Q6. Which writ can be filed by any person, even if their own fundamental rights are not
violated?
A) Habeas Corpus
B) Mandamus
C) Quo Warranto
D) Certiorari
Answer: C) Quo Warranto
Explanation: It can be issued by anyone to ensure no one occupies a public post without legal authority.
Q7. Which of the following statements about Certiorari is correct?
A) It is available against administrative orders only.
B) It can be issued to private institutions.
C) It is both preventive and corrective.
D) It is always issued before the decision is made.
Answer: C) It is both preventive and corrective
Explanation: It can stop proceedings and also quash orders already passed.
Q8. The writ of Habeas Corpus can be issued in which of the following cases?
A) Detention under preventive detention laws
Important MCQs on Writs (UPSC Standard)
B) Arrest under court order with valid charge
C) Lawful imprisonment after trial
D) None of the above
Answer: A) Detention under preventive detention laws
Explanation: Courts can check whether due process is followed even in preventive detention.
Q9. Which writ is known as 'We command'?
A) Habeas Corpus
B) Mandamus
C) Certiorari
D) Quo Warranto
Answer: B) Mandamus
Explanation: Mandamus is Latin for 'We Command' and directs performance of public duties.
Q10. Under Article 226, which courts can issue writs?
A) Supreme Court only
B) High Court only
C) Both Supreme Court and High Courts
D) Only Sessions Court
Answer: C) Both Supreme Court and High Courts
Explanation: Article 32 empowers SC and Article 226 empowers High Courts.
