📍 The Question

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

(a) a government officer prohibiting him from taking a particular action
(b) the Parliament/Legislative Assembly to pass a law on Prohibition
(c) the lower court prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case
(d) the Government prohibiting it from following an unconstitutional policy

✅ Correct Answer: (c)

🧠 Indexive Theme of the Question

Judicial Remedies | Writ Jurisdiction | Articles 32 & 226 | Control over Subordinate Courts

🧑‍🏫 Classroom Explanation

A Writ of Prohibition is a preventive writ issued by a Superior Court (Supreme Court or High Court) to a lower court, tribunal, or quasi-judicial authority.

🔹 Purpose:
To stop the lower authority from continuing proceedings when it is acting:

• Without jurisdiction
• In excess of jurisdiction
• In violation of principles of natural justice

🔍 Key Characteristics of Writ of Prohibition

• It is issued before the final order is passed (preventive, not corrective).
• It is issued only against judicial or quasi-judicial authorities.
• It directs inactivity (contrast with Mandamus, which directs action).
• It cannot be issued against:
  • Administrative authorities
  • Legislative bodies
  • Private individuals

🧾 Why Option (c) is Correct

✔ Option (c) correctly states that the writ is issued to lower courts prohibiting continuation of proceedings in a case where jurisdiction is lacking or exceeded.

❌ Why Other Options are Incorrect

• (a) Government officers are administrative authorities → Prohibition does not lie.
• (b) Courts cannot direct legislatures to pass laws → violates separation of powers.
• (d) Unconstitutional policies are addressed via judicial review, not prohibition.

🧠 Prelims Memory Hook

Prohibition = “STOP before you exceed”
(Issued before judgment, to lower courts only)

🧘 IAS Monk Whisper

Justice is not only about correcting wrongs already done, but also about preventing wrongs before they take form.