Right to Constitutional Remedies

Article 32 of the Indian Constitution talks about the Right to Constitutional remedies. It is the most important Right without which all fundamental rights may be useless. If any fundamental right is violated or abridged, abrogated, the aggrieved person can directly move to the Supreme Court and can seek Constitutional remedies in the form of writs. It is not only a remedy but also a Right. That is why it is called a remedial Right. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar observed that this Article is the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it.

Writs as Constitutional Remedies

According to Article 32, the writs that are issued under the Writ Jurisdiction of Supreme Court, are applicable to all individuals as well as institutions in the entire territory of India.

Supreme Court issues writs as constitutional remedies only for the protection of fundamental rights. Supreme Court issues writs as a matter of right. It is not the discretion of the court.

Constitution of India provides five types of writs. They are Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari and Quo warranto.

• Habeas Corpus

  The actual meaning of Habeas Corpus is 'you may have the body'. This writ is issued by the Supreme court and High courts directing the police authority to produce the person or the body of that individual before the court so that the court will examine the legality of arrest.
  
  If there is a legal ground, the police can detain that individual, otherwise court will set him free. The purpose of this writ is to protect the personal freedoms provided in the Articles 19 to 22.

• Mandamus

  The literal meaning of of Mandamus is 'we command'. The Mandamus is a kind of command which demands to perform some public or quasi-public duty from a person or authority to whom it is addressed.
  
  The Writ of Mandamus is issued as an ultimate alternative remedy provided all other alternative remedies have been exhausted.

  Moreover, this writ is not issued against the President, Governor, private individuals and institutions if they are not discharging their legal or Constitutional duties.
  
  The writ of Mandamus can be given against public, quasi-public (undertaking), judicial, quasi-judicial (tribunals) bodies.

• Prohibition

  The meaning of Prohibition is 'not to proceed'. This is the writ issued by the higher courts to the lower courts containing their jurisdiction or limits if they are exceeding their limits until the matter is verified.
  
  The purpose of this writ is to control or contain the lower courts from exceeding their limits. This writ of Prohibition is issued against quasi-judicial and judicial bodies only.

  
  
  
  

• Certiorari

  Certiorari literally means 'certify'. This is the writ issued by higher court to the lower courts quashing the order of the lower court and directing the lower court to transfer the case to higher or superior court as that case might not come under the jurisdiction or purview of the said court.This writ is also issued against judicial and quasi-judicial bodies.

  
  
  • Difference between Prohibition and Certiorari - In these two, there is difference in procedure and not the purpose. The purpose of prohibition and Certiorari is same that is to contain the lower courts.
    
    However, Prohibition is available at the initial stage of the case where as Certiorari is available at the end of the case. Both are given for inaction.

• Quo warranto

  Actual meaning of Quo warranto is 'by what authority'. This writ is issued against a public office holder asking him to prove how he has the legal authority in holding such office. If he does not have legality, court directs him to immediately vacate the office.
  
  So, the intention of this writ is to protect the public office from its misuse and unlawful entry into it. However, the office must be a substantial public office and independent.