Under which Article of the Constitution does a High Court issue writs?

The correct answer is C, Article 226. It empowers every High Court to issue directions, orders or writs, including the writs of habeas corpus, mandamus, prohibition, quo warranto and certiorari, for the enforcement of the fundamental rights and for any other purpose.

Option A, Article 32, is the writ power of the Supreme Court, and the difference between the two is itself a standard question: Article 32 covers fundamental rights alone while Article 226 covers fundamental rights and any other purpose, which makes the High Court power wider in scope; on the other hand Article 32 is itself a fundamental right and cannot be refused on discretionary grounds, while relief under Article 226 is discretionary. Option B, Article 131, is the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in disputes between the Union and the states. Option D, Article 227, gives the High Court superintendence over all courts and tribunals within the state, which is a power of control over the subordinate judiciary and not a power to issue writs.