Writs are written orders from the Supreme Court or High Court that command constitutional remedies for Indian citizens against the violation of their fundamental rights. The Indian Constitution provides five types of writs that can be issued by the courts:
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Habeas Corpus: This writ is issued by the courts in cases where a person is illegally detained.
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Mandamus: This writ is issued by the courts to public officials or lower courts to perform a public or statutory duty that they have failed to perform.
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Certiorari: This writ is issued by the courts to quash an order already passed by an inferior court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial authority.
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Quo Warranto: This writ is issued by the courts to enquire into the legality of a claim by a person to a public office.
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Prohibition: This writ is issued by the courts to prevent an inferior court or tribunal from exceeding its jurisdiction or acting contrary to the rules of natural justice.
The Supreme Court of India has original and wide powers to issue these writs for enforcing the fundamental rights of the citizens.