Which writ literally means 'what is your authority’?

Key Points

• Quo-Warranto literally means 'what is your authority?'.
• This writ is issued to inquire into the legality of the claim of a person to a public office.
• The purpose of the writ is to prevent illegal usurpation of public office by an individual.
• It is a judicial order requiring the person to whom it is directed to show what authority they have for exercising some right, power, or franchise they claim to hold.

Additional Information

• The writ of Prohibition is issued by a superior court to prohibit a lower court or tribunal from exceeding its jurisdiction.
• The writ of Mandamus is issued to command a public official, government department, corporation, or inferior court to perform a public or statutory duty.
• The writ of Habeas Corpus is issued to secure the release of a person who has been unlawfully detained.