Q83 · UPSC Prelims 2024 · Set A · Polity and Governance

← Q82 Q84 →

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

A a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
B the Parliament/ Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
C the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
D the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.

Correct answer: (c) the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.

Explanation

  1. A

    a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.

    A government officer. That is closer to prohibition in administrative speech, not the writ.

  2. B

    the Parliament/ Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.

    Parliament / Assembly to pass a prohibition law. The writ does not command legislation.

  3. C

    the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.

    A lower court, stopping it from continuing proceedings beyond its jurisdiction.

  4. D

    the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.

    The Government on an unconstitutional policy. That is not the classic writ of prohibition.

Summary. Official key is (c). A writ of prohibition issues from a superior court to an inferior court or tribunal, forbidding it from continuing proceedings that exceed jurisdiction. It is not an order to an executive officer, to a legislature, or a general policy freeze.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2022 · Q18 · General Studies · 2 marks

    With reference to the writs, issued by the Courts in India, consider the following statements: 1. Mandamus will not lie against a private organisation unless it is entrusted with a public duty. 2. Mandamus will not lie against a Company even though it may be a Government Company. 3. Any public minded person can be a petitioner to move the Court to obtain the writ of Quo Warranto. Which of the statements given above are correct?

    View answer →

  2. 2024 · Q53 · General Studies · 2 marks

    Consider the following statements in respect of the digital rupee: 1. It is a sovereign currency issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in alignment with its monetary policy. 2. It appears as a liability on the RBI's balance sheet. 3. It is insured against inflation by its very design. 4. It is freely convertible against commercial bank money and cash. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

    View answer →

PDF