Quick Links
Quick Links
UPSC Exams
Latest Update
Latest Update
Coaching
UPSC Current Affairs
Syllabus
UPSC Notes
Previous Year Papers
UPSC Mains Previous Year Question Papers Last 25 Years UPSC Prelims Question Papers Last 10 Years UPSC Question Papers UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 Question Paper UPSC Mains 2024 Model Answers UPSC 2024 Question Papers UPSC 2023 Question Papers UPSC 2022 Question Papers UPSC 2021 Question Papers UPSC 2020 Question Papers UPSC 2019 Question Papers UPSC 2018 Question Papers UPSC 2017 Question Papers UPSC 2016 Question Papers UPSC 2015 Question Papers UPSC 2014 Question Papers UPSC CSAT Question Papers UPSC IFS Previous Year Paper UPSC Assistant Labour Commissioner Previous Question Year Papers UPSC Combined Geo Scientist Previous Year Paper UPSC APFC Previous Year Question Papers UPSC CMS Previous Year Question Paper UPSC EPFO Previous Year Paper UPSC Air Safety Officer Previous Year Papers UPSC SO Steno Previous Year Paper UPSC IES ISS Previous Year Question Papers
Mock Tests
UPSC Editorial
Bilateral Ties
Albania India Relations India Algeria Relations Andorra India Relations India Angola Relations India Antigua Barbuda Relations India Argentina Relations Austria India Relations India Azerbaijan Relations Bahamas India Relations India Bahrain Relations Barbados India Relations India Belarus Relations Belgium India Relations Belize India Relations Benin India Relations Bolivia India Relations India Bosnia Herzegovina Relations India Botswana Relations Brazil India Relations Brunei India Relations Bulgaria India Relations Burundi India Relations Cabo Verde India Relations India Cambodia Relations India Cameroon Relations Canada India Relations India Cayman Islands Relations India Central African Republic Relations India Chad Relations Chile India Relations India Colombia Relations India Comoros Relations India Democratic Republic Of The Congo Relations India Republic Of The Congo Relations India Cook Islands Relations India Costa Rica Relations India Ivory Coast Relations India Croatia Relations India Cyprus Relations India Czech Republic Relations India Djibouti Relations India Dominica Relations India Dominican Republic Relations India Ecuador Relations India El Salvador Relations India Equatorial Guinea Relations India Eritrea Relations Estonia India Relations India Ethiopia Relations India Fiji Relations India Finland Relations India Gabon Relations India Gambia Relations India Georgia Relations Germany India Relations India Ghana Relations India Greece Relations India Grenada Relations India Guatemala Relations India Guinea Relations India Guinea Bissau Relations India Guyana Relations India Haiti Relations India Holy See Relations India Honduras Relations India Hong Kong Relations India Hungary Relations India Iceland Relations India Indonesia Relations India Iran Relations India Iraq Relations India Ireland Relations India Jamaica Relations India Kazakhstan Relations India Kenya Relations India Kingdom Of Eswatini Relations India Kiribati Relations India Kuwait Relations India Kyrgyzstan Relations India Laos Relations Latvia India Relations India Lebanon Relations India Lesotho Relations India Liberia Relations Libya India Relations Liechtenstein India Relations India Lithuania Relations India Luxembourg Relations India Macao Relations Madagascar India Relations India Malawi Relations India Mali Relations India Malta Relations India Marshall Islands Relations India Mauritania Relations India Micronesia Relations India Moldova Relations Monaco India Relations India Montenegro Relations India Montserrat Relations India Morocco Relations Mozambique India Relations India Namibia Relations India Nauru Relations Netherlands India Relations India Nicaragua Relations India Niger Relations India Nigeria Relations India Niue Relations India North Macedonia Relations Norway India Relations India Palau Relations India Panama Relations India Papua New Guinea Relations India Paraguay Relations Peru India Relations India Philippines Relations Qatar India Relations India Romania Relations Rwanda India Relations India Saint Kitts And Nevis Relations India Saint Lucia Relations India Saint Vincent And Grenadines Relations India Samoa Relations India Sao Tome And Principe Relations Saudi Arabia India Relations India Senegal Relations Serbia India Relations India Sierra Leone Relations India Singapore Relations India Slovak Republic Relations India Slovenia Relations India Solomon Islands Relations Somalia India Relations India South Sudan Relations India Spain Relations India Sudan Relations Suriname India Relations India Sweden Relations India Syria Relations India Tajikistan Relations Tanzania India Relations India Togo Relations India Tonga Islands Relations India Trinidad And Tobago Relations India Tunisia Relations India Turkmenistan Relations India Turks And Caicos Islands Relations India Tuvalu Relations India Uganda Relations India Ukraine Relations India Uae Relations India Uruguay Relations India Uzbekistan Relations India Vanuatu Relations India Venezuela Relations India British Virgin Islands Relations Yemen India Relations India Zambia Relations India Zimbabwe Relations
Books
Government Schemes
Production Linked Incentive Scheme Integrated Processing Development Scheme Rodtep Scheme Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme Saathi Scheme Uday Scheme Hriday Scheme Samagra Shiksha Scheme India Nishta Scheme Stand Up India Scheme Sahakar Mitra Scheme Mdms Mid Day Meal Scheme Integrated Child Protection Scheme Vatsalya Scheme Operation Green Scheme Nai Roshni Scheme Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme Kalia Scheme Ayushman Sahakar Scheme Nirvik Scheme Fame India Scheme Kusum Scheme Pm Svanidhi Scheme Pmvvy Scheme Pm Aasha Scheme Pradhan Mantri Mahila Shakti Kendra Scheme Pradhan Mantri Lpg Panjayat Scheme Mplads Scheme Svamitva Scheme Pat Scheme Udan Scheme Ek Bharat Shresth Bharat Scheme National Pension Scheme Ujala Scheme Operation Greens Scheme Gold Monetisation Scheme Family Planning Insurance Scheme Target Olympic Podium Scheme
Topics
NASA Space Missions
NASA Mercury-Redstone 3 (Freedom 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Redstone 4 (Liberty Bell 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 6 (Friendship 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 7 (Aurora 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 8 (Sigma 7) Mission NASA Mercury-Atlas 9 (Faith 7) Mission NASA Gemini 3 Mission NASA Gemini 4 Mission NASA Gemini 5 Mission NASA Gemini 7 Mission NASA Gemini 8 Mission NASA Gemini 9 Mission NASA Gemini 10 Mission NASA Gemini 11 Mission NASA Gemini 12 Mission NASA Apollo 1 (AS‑204) Mission NASA Apollo 7 Mission NASA Apollo 8 Mission NASA Apollo 9 Mission NASA Apollo 10 Mission NASA Apollo 11 Mission NASA Apollo 12 Mission NASA Apollo 13 Mission NASA Apollo 14 Mission NASA Apollo 15 Mission NASA Apollo 16 Mission NASA Apollo 17 Mission NASA Skylab Orbital Workshop Mission NASA Skylab 2 Mission NASA Skylab 3 Mission NASA Skylab 4 Mission NASA Apollo–Soyuz Test Project Mission NASA STS‑1 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑3 Columbia Mission NASA STS‑7 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑8 Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41B Challenger Mission NASA STS‑41G Discovery (1st female EVA) Mission NASA STS‑51L Challenger (accident) Mission NASA STS‑26 Discovery (Return‑to‑Flight) Mission NASA STS‑31 Discovery (Hubble Launch) Mission NASA STS‑49 Endeavour (first capture EVA) Mission NASA STS‑61 Endeavour (Hubble Servicing 1) Mission NASA STS‑73 Columbia (microgravity) Mission NASA STS‑95 Discovery (John Glenn returns) Mission NASA STS‑107 Columbia (accident) Mission NASA STS‑114 Discovery (RTF‑2) Mission NASA STS‑120 Discovery (Node 2) Mission NASA STS‑125 Atlantis (Final Hubble Service) Mission NASA STS‑132 Atlantis Mission NASA STS‑135 Atlantis (Final Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Artemis I (Orion/ SLS‑1) Mission NASA Artemis II (Planned) Mission NASA Artemis III (Planned lunar landing) Mission NASA Mariner 4 Mission NASA Mariner 6 Mission NASA Mariner 7 Mission NASA Mariner 9 Mission NASA Viking 1 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission NASA Mars Pathfinder & Sojourner Mission NASA Mars Global Surveyor Mission NASA 2001 Mars Odyssey Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Spirit Mission NASA Mars Exploration Rover – Opportunity Mission NASA Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission NASA Phoenix Mars Lander Mission NASA InSight Mars Lander Mission NASA Mars 2020 (Perseverance & Ingenuity) Mission NASA Mars Sample Return – SRL (planned) Mission NASA Pioneer 10 Mission NASA Pioneer 11 Mission NASA Voyager 1 Mission NASA Voyager 2 Mission NASA Galileo Jupiter Orbiter/Probe Mission NASA Cassini–Huygens Mission NASA New Horizons (Pluto & KBO) Mission NASA Juno Mission NASA Europa Clipper (planned) Mission NASA Parker Solar Probe Mission NASA Solar Orbiter (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Surveyor 1 Mission NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 Mission NASA Lunar Prospector Mission NASA LCROSS Mission NASA LADEE Mission NASA Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA VIPER Rover (planned) Mission NASA NEAR Shoemaker Mission NASA Deep Space 1 Mission NASA Stardust Mission NASA Genesis Mission NASA Deep Impact Mission NASA Dawn (Vesta/Ceres) Mission NASA OSIRIS‑REx Mission NASA Lucy Mission NASA DART Mission NASA Landsat‑1 (ERTS‑1) Mission NASA Landsat‑5 Mission NASA Landsat‑9 Mission NASA Terra Mission NASA Aqua Mission NASA Aura Mission NASA Suomi NPP Mission NASA Sentinel‑6 Michael Freilich Mission NASA ICESat‑2 Mission NASA GRACE‑FO Mission NASA SMAP Mission NASA GPM Core Observatory Mission NASA CALIPSO Mission NASA CloudSat Mission NASA NISAR (NASA‑ISRO) Mission NASA Explorer 1 Mission NASA COBE Mission NASA Compton Gamma Ray Observatory Mission NASA Hubble Space Telescope Mission NASA Chandra X‑ray Observatory Mission NASA Spitzer Space Telescope Mission NASA WISE Mission NASA Kepler Mission NASA TESS Mission NASA Fermi Gamma‑ray Space Telescope Mission NASA NICER Mission NASA IXPE Mission NASA Roman Space Telescope (planned) Mission NASA NuSTAR Mission NASA GALEX Mission NASA Swift Mission NASA SOHO (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA Cluster II (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA TIMED Mission NASA STEREO‑A/B Mission NASA MMS Mission NASA IRIS Mission NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory Mission NASA X‑37B OTV‑1 (USAF/NASA liaison) Mission NASA X‑59 QueSST Mission NASA Mars Helicopter Ingenuity Mission NASA Valkyrie R5 Robot Mission NASA Low‑Boom Flight Demo Mission NASA CRS‑1 Dragon Mission NASA CRS‑1 Cygnus Mission NASA Crew Dragon Demo‑2 Mission NASA Starliner OFT‑2 Mission NASA STS-2 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-4 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-5 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-6 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-41D (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-51A (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-61C (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-26 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-27 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-29 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-30 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-32 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-34 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-38 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-45 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-60 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-70 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-71 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-73 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-88 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-92 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-97 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-99 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-100 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-104 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-106 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-110 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-112 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-115 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-116 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-117 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-118 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-120 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-122 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-123 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-126 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA STS-130 (Shuttle flight) Mission NASA Vanguard 1 Mission NASA Transit 1B Mission NASA Echo 1 Mission NASA Telstar 1 Mission NASA Syncom 3 Mission NASA ATS‑6 Mission NASA Skynet Mission NASA Nimbus‑1 Mission NASA Nimbus‑7 Mission NASA ERS-1 Mission NASA SeaSat Mission NASA QuikSCAT Mission NASA Jason‑1 Mission NASA Jason‑3 Mission NASA ICESat Mission NASA Earth Observing‑1 Mission NASA Orbiting Carbon Observatory‑2 Mission NASA CYGNSS Mission NASA PACE Mission NASA TRMM Mission NASA Terrestrial Planet Finder (cxl) Mission NASA Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Mission NASA Explorer 33 Mission NASA Voyager Interstellar Mission Mission NASA Helios‑A Mission NASA Helios‑B Mission NASA ISEE‑3 (ICE) Mission NASA ACE Mission NASA DSCOVR Mission NASA IBEX Mission NASA Solar Orbiter Heliospheric Imager Mission NASA SAGE‑III ISS Mission NASA SPACE Telescope Imaging Spectrograph Mission NASA ARIEL (ESA/NASA) Mission NASA OSAM‑1 (Restore‑L) Mission NASA Dragonfly (Titan rotorcraft) Mission NASA VERITAS (Venus orbiter) Mission NASA DAVINCI (Venus probe) Mission NASA SPHEREx Mission NASA MAGGIE (Mars Geophysical) Mission NASA CLPS – Peregrine Mission NASA CLPS – VIPER Delivery Mission NASA CAPSTONE Mission NASA Gateway (HALO / PPE) Mission NASA Mars Telecommunication Orbiter (cxl) Mission NASA Mars Polar Lander (MPL) Mission NASA Mars Climate Orbiter Mission NASA Pathfinder Mission Mission NASA SLS Block 1B (Exploration Upper Stage) Mission NASA Orion Crew Module Mission NASA Commercial LEO Destinations – Axiom Station Mission NASA ISS Expedition 1 Mission NASA ISS Expedition 70 Mission NASA CRS‑11 (Dragon) Mission NASA CRS‑21 (Dragon 2) Mission NASA Snoopy CubeSat Mission
ISRO Space Missions
NVS-02 ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-A ISRO Space Mission SPADEX-B ISRO Space Mission Proba-3 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-N2 ISRO Space Mission EOS-08 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DS ISRO Space Mission XPoSat ISRO Space Mission Aditya-L1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-3 ISRO Space Mission NVS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-07 ISRO Space Mission INS-2B ISRO Space Mission EOS-06 ISRO Space Mission EOS-02 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-24 ISRO Space Mission INS-2TD ISRO Space Mission EOS-04 ISRO Space Mission EOS-03 ISRO Space Mission CMS-01 ISRO Space Mission EOS-01 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-30 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2BR1 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan 2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2B ISRO Space Mission EMISAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-31 ISRO Space Mission Microsat-R ISRO Space Mission GSAT-7A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-11 ISRO Space Mission HysIS ISRO Space Mission GSAT-29 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1I ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6A ISRO Space Mission INS-1C ISRO Space Mission Microsat ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1H ISRO Space Mission GSAT-17 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-19 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-9 ISRO Space Mission Cartosat-2 Series Satellite INS-1A ISRO Space Mission INS-1B ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2A ISRO Space Mission GSAT-18 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3DR ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1G ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1F ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-15 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-6 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1D ISRO Space Mission Crew module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment (CARE) ISRO Space Mission GSAT-16 ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1C ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1B ISRO Space Mission GSAT-14 ISRO Space Mission Mars Orbiter Mission Spacecraft GSAT-7 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3D ISRO Space Mission IRNSS-1A ISRO Space Mission SARAL ISRO Space Mission GSAT-10 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-1 ISRO Space Mission Megha-Tropiques ISRO Space Mission GSAT-12 ISRO Space Mission GSAT-8 ISRO Space Mission RESOURCESAT-2 ISRO Space Mission YOUTHSAT ISRO Space Mission GSAT-5P ISRO Space Mission GSAT-4 ISRO Space Mission Oceansat-2 ISRO Space Mission RISAT-2 ISRO Space Mission Chandrayaan-1 ISRO Space Mission IMS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4CR ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4B ISRO Space Mission SRE-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-4A ISRO Space Mission HAMSAT ISRO Space Mission EDUSAT ISRO Space Mission IRS-P6 / RESOURCESAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3E ISRO Space Mission GSAT-2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3A ISRO Space Mission KALPANA-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3C ISRO Space Mission GSAT-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-3B ISRO Space Mission Oceansat(IRS-P4) ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2E ISRO Space Mission IRS-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2D ISRO Space Mission IRS-P3 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1C ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2C ISRO Space Mission IRS-P2 ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1E ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-2A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-C ISRO Space Mission IRS-1B ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1D ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1C ISRO Space Mission SROSS-2 ISRO Space Mission IRS-1A ISRO Space Mission SROSS-1 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1B ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-D2 ISRO Space Mission INSAT-1A ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-II ISRO Space Mission Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE) ISRO Rohini Satellite RS-D1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Satellite RS-1 ISRO Space Mission Rohini Technology Payload (RTP) ISRO Space Mission Bhaskara-I ISRO Space Mission Aryabhata ISRO Space Mission
Home / IAS Preparation / Right To Constitutional Remedies

Right to Constitutional Remedies under Article 32: Indian Polity Notes for UPSC Preparation

Last Updated on Mar 11, 2022
Also Read Right To Constitutional Remedies in Hindi
Download As PDF
IMPORTANT LINKS
Agriculture Notes For UPSC Public Administration UPSC Notes Modern History Books For UPSC Overseas Citizen Of India Caste System & Panchayati Raj Godavari River Federalism In India Indira Point New Development Bank Battle Of Sinhagad Sankalp And Strive Schemes Digital India High Yielding Varieties Economic Growth Development League Of Nations Ease Of Doing Business Mid Day Meal Scheme Wildlife Protection Act 1972 UPSC Notes International Union Conservation Nature

The right to Constitutional Remedies under Article 32 of Indian Constitution is a basic right. It provides that persons have the privilege to petition the Supreme Court (SC) for the implementation of other constitutionally protected Fundamental rights. Article 32 of Indian constitution covers the Right to Constitutional Remedies.

The Right to Constitutional Remedies has been thoroughly covered in this article. Examine more significant issues in Indian politics from the standpoint of UPSC exams.

Checkout the video on 'Right to Constitutional Remedies' and boost your preparation

Right to Constitutional Remedies (UPSC Polity Notes): Download PDF!

What are Constitutional Remedies?

Constitutional remedies are the legal rights and mechanisms available to citizens. This is to enforce their fundamental rights and to seek redress for any violation of those rights. These remedies are enshrined in the Constitution of India. They can be sought from the Supreme Court of India or the High Courts.

History of Right to Constitutional Remedies

  • Dr. Ambedkar referred to Article 32 as the “spirit of the constitution and exceptionally heart of it.” The Supreme Court has included it in the fundamental structural regulation.
  • Furthermore, with the exception usually provided by the Constitution, the right to petition the Supreme Court cannot be interrupted. This implies that, under Article 359, this prerogative is suspended during a national crisis.
  • Article 32 designates the Supreme Court as the protector and guarantor of fundamental rights. Furthermore, the Apex Court retains original jurisdiction over the power to issue writs. This means that an individual may contact SC directly for a cure rather than through an appeal.
  • Article 32 can only be invoked to get redress for basic rights established in Articles 12-35. 
  • It does not exist for any other legal right for which many laws are available.

Learn more about the Making of the Constitution!

FREEMentorship Program by
Ravi Kapoor, Ex-IRS
UPSC Exam-Hacker, Author, Super Mentor, MA
100+ Success Stories
Key Highlights
Achieve your Goal with our mentorship program, offering regular guidance and effective exam strategies.
Cultivate a focused mindset for exam success through our mentorship program.
2 Lakh+ Students Mentored Get
Get Free Mentorship Now
UPSC Beginners Program

Get UPSC Beginners Program SuperCoaching @ just

₹50000

Claim for free
Want to know more about this pass ?
Explore SuperCoaching

Legal Provision for the Constitutional Remedies

Articles 32 and 226 discuss constitutional remedies. Let’s talk about them.

  • Article 32: According to Dr. Ambedkar, Article 32 is the heart and spirit of the Indian constitution since it empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs to enforce Fundamental Rights. The Supreme Court’s authority to issue writs falls within its original jurisdiction. The ability of the court to hear a case for the first time is referred to as original jurisdiction. Article 32 also provides for judicial review. This means that the Supreme Court has the authority to declare a statute unconstitutional if it violates any provision of the Constitution.
  • Article 226 empowers High Courts to issue writs for the execution of Fundamental Rights. This article also discusses equality in all aspects. Article 226 empowers the high court with regard to jurisdiction to issue writs against various entities and other authorities in the event of a violation of basic rights.

Learn more about the Salient features of the Constitution!

Right to constitutional remedies (Article 32)
  • Article 32 contains the following four provisions:
    • It guarantees the right to approach the supreme court with the help of appropriate proceedings for the enforcement of fundamental rights or in cases when they have been violated.
    • For the enforcement of fundamental rights, the supreme court is empowered to issue directions or orders in the form of writs.
    • The Parliament can also issue directions, orders, or writs of all kinds for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
    • Except for the cases of National Emergency, the right to constitutional remedies shall not be suspended under Article 359 of the constitution.
  • Without the violation of the fundamental rights article, 32 cannot be invoked.
  • Thus, article 32 confers a concurrent jurisdiction instead of an exclusive one.
  • A person can seek a Remedy from either the High Court or Supreme Court in case of violation of fundamental rights.

Also, read Major Committees in the Indian Constituent Assembly here!

What is a Writ?

A writ is a formal, legal document that is issued by a court or other authority to compel someone to do or not do something. Writs are used in a variety of legal contexts, including civil, criminal, and constitutional law.

Types of Writs issued by the courts

  • The constitution of India has mentioned 5 types of writs that can be issued upon violation of fundamental rights.
  • These rates include Habeas Corpus, Mandamus, Prohibition, Certiorari, and Quo-Warranto.
  • Under Article 32 Supreme Court can issue the rates, whereas under Article 226 High Court has the authority to issue writs.
  • Under Article 226 High Court has discretionary power to issue writs under its jurisdiction, whereas the Supreme Court can invoke it across National territory.
  • The high court can also issue writs against ordinary legal rights apart from violation of fundamental rights.

Study the NCERT Notes on Types of Writs in India here.

Habeas Corpus – ‘To have the body of’.

  • It is an order to produce the body of the detainee before the court to the person who has detained another person.
  • In such cases, the cause of detention is determined by the court.
  • The person should be set free in case the detention is found to be illegal.
  • In case of arbitrary detention, protection of individual liberty is granted.
  • Such type of writ can be issued against both the state and a private citizen.
  • To seek constitutional remedy, a person can approach the court on behalf of the aggrieved person.
  • A Habeas Corpus writ is not issued in cases of lawful detention, contempt of court or legislature, detention by a competent court, and in situations outside the court’s jurisdiction.

Mandamus – ‘We Command’.

  • It is a command issued by the court to a public official to perform the official duties which have failed or been refused to perform.
  • It can only be filed when the aggrieved person approaches the court.
  • Such writ cannot be issued against a private individual or body when the duty is discretionary, against the President, Governor, or chief justice of high courts.

Prohibition – ‘to forbid’.

  • It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent the excess jurisdiction of the lower court.
  • It can be only issued against a judicial or a quasi-judicial body.
  • It cannot be issued against any private individual.

Know the Difference between Act and Law here.

Certiorari – ‘to be certified/informed.’

  • It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal in order to transfer a case or nullify a particular order.
  • It is issued when there is an excess of jurisdiction, or there is a lack of jurisdiction, or a faulty judgment has been passed.
  • The writ of certiorari is both preventive and curative.
  • It can be issued against judicial and quasi-judicial bodies along with some administrative authorities.
  • It cannot be issued against any private individual.

Study the NCERT Notes on the Right to Equality here.

Quo-Warranto – ‘by what authority or warrant.’

  • The court issues this writ to enquire about the legal claim of a person holding a public office.
  • Such writ can be issued for public office or permanent character but not for the case of Minister or private office.

Learn more about the Preamble to the Constitution!

What is a Writ Petition?

A writ petition is a petition or application filed in a High Court or the Supreme Court of India. It is about the issuance of a writ to enforce a fundamental right or to protect a legal right. 

Constitutional Provisions of Writ Jurisdiction

  • The High Court’s writ jurisdiction is specified in Article 266 of the Indian Constitution, which allows the High Court the right to issue prerogative writs, as well as the Supreme Court under Article 32.
  • It is a discretionary power, which means the High Court has the authority to determine whether or not to issue a writ.
  • Article 32 should not be invoked for encroachment on an individual right of the agreement (contract), nor should it be invoked for disturbing questions that are transferable under other laws.
  • “Notwithstanding anything in Article 32, every High Court shall have powers, throughout the territories in relation to which it exercises jurisdiction, to issue to any person or authority, including in appropriate cases, any Government, within those territories directions, orders, or writs, including writs in the nature of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibitions, quo warranto, and certiorari, or any of them.

Note: If an earlier petition is pending in the High Court, filing another petition under Article 32 in the Supreme Court on the same facts for the same remedy is considered an abuse of the court’s procedure.

Learn more about the Major Amendment of the Constitution!

Significance of Constitutional Remedies

Some of the specific benefits of constitutional remedies include:

  • Constitutional remedies provide a legal framework for individuals to protect their fundamental rights. If a person's fundamental right is violated, they can approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for relief.
  • Constitutional remedies hold the government and its agencies accountable for their actions. If the government or its agencies violate a person's fundamental right, the courts can issue writs, orders, or directions to compel them to take corrective action.
  • Constitutional remedies promote the rule of law by ensuring that everyone is equal before the law. No one is above the law, including the government and its agencies.
  • Constitutional remedies provide access to justice for all individuals. This is regardless of their social or economic status. Anyone can approach the Supreme Court or the High Court for relief, even if they cannot afford to hire a lawyer.

Learn more about the Sources of the Indian Constitution!

Restrictions on Fundamental Rights
  • Provision for Basic Rights Violations: Article 13 of the Indian constitution stipulates that all legislation that is inconsistent with or violates any of the fundamental rights is invalid.
  • The Supreme Court (Article 32) and the high courts have been given this authority (Article 226).
  • The government may also impose limits in the interest of morals and public order. During a state of emergency, the six freedoms are also automatically suspended or restricted.

Learn more about the difference between written and unwritten constitutions!

Important judgments related to Article 32
  • The Supreme Court declared in the Chandra Kumar case (1997) that the writ jurisdiction of both the High Court and the Supreme Court is part of the basic framework of the Constitution.
  • In A.K. Kripak v. Union of India, the Supreme Court ruled that the selection list of the Indian Forest Service should be quashed since one of the shortlisted applicants was an ex-officio member of the selection committee.
  • In C.G. Govindan v. State of Gujarat, the court refused to issue a writ of mandamus against the governor for failing to approve the determination of court personnel pay by the Chief Justice of the High Court under Article 229.

Learn more about the Constitutional Assembly Debates!

Recent observations related to Article 32
  • The Supreme Court recently moved from the Delhi High Court the matter regarding land usage for the national capital’s Central Vista project to itself. In any case, the petitioners had not requested such a move.
  • Recently, the Supreme Court expressed its worry that the High Courts are not exercising their constitutional authority in numerous cases concerning personal liberty.
  • The Supreme Court recently moved from the Delhi High Court the matter regarding land usage for the national capital’s Central Vista project to itself. In any case, the petitioners had not requested such a move. 
  • During a recent hearing of a plea, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) stated that the court is attempting to discourage petitions filed under Article 32.

Study the NCERT Notes on Schedules of the Indian Constitution here.

Testbook is a one-stop solution for all your exam preparations. Be it preparing for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, or any other competitive exams. You can have access to study material for different subjects and even check your progress through our daily quizzes, mock tests, question banks, etc. Stay updated with current affairs and classroom sessions.

Download the Testbook App now!!

More Articles for IAS Preparation

FAQs

Ordinary legal rights are protected and enforced by ordinary laws whereas, Fundamental Rights are protected and guaranteed by the constitution of the country. Ordinary rights may be changed by the legislature by the process of law-making, but a fundamental right may only be changed by amending the Constitution itself.

When a person is arrested for any unlawful action he can be detained in the jail for a period not more than 3 months. It is done when the government feels that the person can be a threat to law and order or to the peace and security of the nation. After three months such a case is brought before an advisory board for review.

There are 5 types of writs mentioned in the constitution including the writ of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, certiorari and Quo-warranto.

The writs of prohibition and certiorari cannot be issued against any private body or organisation or legislative body.

Article 35 of the Indian constitution empowers the parliament to Make laws for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
Report An Error
Exams Tests Super Practice