2024 GS Paper I, all questions
UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I
Question 83: Polity and Governance
A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to :
aa government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
bthe Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
cthe lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case.
dthe Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy.
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (c).
A writ of prohibition is issued by the Supreme Court or a High Court to a lower court or tribunal, directing it to stop proceedings in a case that lies beyond its jurisdiction. It is preventive, issued while the proceedings are pending, and is available only against judicial and quasi-judicial authorities, not administrative officers or the legislature. Mandamus, by contrast, commands performance of a duty.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: prohibition does not lie against administrative officers.
- (b) Wrong: courts cannot order Parliament or a Legislature to pass a law.
- (c) Right: it is issued to a lower court to stop proceedings beyond its jurisdiction.
- (d) Wrong: it does not lie against the Government for following a policy.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.