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Indian PolityEasyAsked in: CDS · CDS-I 2022, GK

Which one of the following writs means 'you may have the body'?

  1. A.Habeas Corpus
  2. B.Mandamus
  3. C.Certiorari
  4. D.Quo Warranto

Correct answer

A. Habeas Corpus

Explanation

The correct answer is A, Habeas Corpus. The Latin words habeas corpus mean "you may have the body", and the writ orders a person who has detained someone to produce that person before the court.

The court then examines whether the detention is lawful and frees the person if it is not. It is the strongest safeguard of personal liberty under Article 21. The Supreme Court issues writs under Article 32 and the High Courts under Article 226; the High Courts' power is wider, since they can issue writs for legal rights as well as Fundamental Rights. Habeas corpus can be sought against public authorities and private persons alike, and the 44th Amendment (1978) ensured that Articles 20 and 21 cannot be suspended even in an Emergency.

B is wrong because mandamus means "we command" and directs a public official to perform a duty. C is wrong because certiorari means "to be certified" and quashes an order of a lower court or tribunal. D is wrong because quo warranto means "by what authority" and questions a person's right to hold a public office.

Exam tip: five writs: Habeas Corpus (have the body), Mandamus (we command), Prohibition, Certiorari (be certified), Quo Warranto (by what warrant).

Practice Questions

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Q1.Indian PolityAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2022, GATEasy

Panchayati Raj Institutions are primarily the institutions of

  1. A.Popular Government
  2. B.Self-Government
  3. C.Federal Government
  4. D.Quasi-Government
Show answer
Correct answer: B. Self-Government

Panchayati Raj Institutions are bodies of rural local self-government, through which villagers manage their own local affairs. Article 40, a Directive Principle, asks the State to organise village panchayats and give them the powers needed to function as units of self-government.

Q4.Indian PolityAsked in: CDS · CDS-II 2021, GKEasy

The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of speech and expression. But the freedom is subject to certain reasonable restrictions imposed by the State. These restrictions may relate to which of the following ?

1. Defamation

2. Decency or morality

3. Incitement to an offence

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

  1. A.1 only
  2. B.2 and 3 only
  3. C.1 and 3 only
  4. D.1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Correct answer: D. 1, 2 and 3

All three are grounds listed in Article 19(2) on which the State may place reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech and expression.

Q5.Indian PolityAsked in: NDA · NDA-I 2022, GATMedium

Which one of the following is not a Constitutional Commission of India?

  1. A.The National Commission for Scheduled Castes
  2. B.The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
  3. C.The National Commission for Backward Classes
  4. D.The National Commission for Women
Show answer
Correct answer: D. The National Commission for Women

It was set up in 1992 under the National Commission for Women Act, 1990, so it is a statutory body, not a constitutional one.