UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 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.

Answer

Correct Answer

The lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.

Explanation

A writ of Prohibition is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent it from continuing proceedings beyond its jurisdiction. Option A is not the defining purpose of this writ; an order against an authority may arise through other writs, such as Mandamus. Options B and D do not describe the constitutional function of Prohibition. Therefore, option C is correct.

Topics: constitutional remedies, polity, writ of prohibition, writs