Q. A Writ of Prohibition is an order issued by the Supreme Court or High Courts to:

• a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action.
• the parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition.
• the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case
• the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy

Answer: (c) the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case

Prohibition:

• A writ of prohibition is issued by a Court to prohibit the lower courts, tribunals and other quasi-judicial authorities from doing something beyond their authority.
• It is issued to direct inactivity and thus differs from mandamus which directs activity.
• The writ of prohibition can be issued only against judicial and quasijudicial authorities.
• It is not available against administrative authorities, legislative bodies, and private individuals or bodies.