OPSC OAS 2020 PrelimsPolityQuestion 8
Solved previous year question from the OPSC OAS/OCS 2020 Preliminary Examination (General Studies), with the official answer key and a detailed explanation.
Question
Mandamus is a writ issued by the Apex Court :
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Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: (A) Asking a public official or any authority to perform legal duties
Mandamus is a Latin word meaning "we command".
It is a writ issued by a court to a public official or a body, commanding them to perform a duty that they are legally obligated to complete but have failed or refused to do so.
- Mandamus – “We command” → Orders a public official or authority to perform a legal duty.
- Habeas Corpus – “You may have the body” → To release a person from illegal detention.
- Certiorari – “To be certified” → Quashes the order of a lower court or tribunal issued without or in excess of jurisdiction.
- Prohibition – “To forbid” → Stops a lower court from proceeding in a case beyond its jurisdiction.
- Quo Warranto – “By what authority” → Challenges the legality of a person’s claim to a public office.
