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Official answer key: B. The answer shown above (C) is the academy’s own.

The term Mandamus in Latin means ‘We Command’.
The court issues the Writ of Mandamus to a public authority directing them to perform the public duties they are bound to do but refused or failed to perform. Hence, statement 2 and 4 is correct.
This writ can be issued against any public authority, public body, lower courts, tribunals or the government.

Writ of Mandamus cannot be issued under the following conditions:
When public duty is discretionary and not mandatory
To perform the non-statutory function.
Against the President of India or Governor of any State. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
Where such discretion violates the law of the land.
Against any private individual or private organisation. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
Against the acting Chief Justice of India
A writ petition seeking Mandamus can be filed only when the Public authority refuses to perform their public duty on being demanded by the petitioner.

Writs are written orders issued by the Supreme Court or a High Court directing Indian citizens to pursue constitutional remedies when their fundamental rights have been violated under Article 32.

Purpose of issuing writs: Only to enforce Fundamental Rights.
Writ can be issued against a person or government: Located anywhere throughout the territory of India.
Right to refuse exercising writ jurisdiction: No, because Article 32 is an FR itself.

Purpose of issuing writs: To enforce legal as well as Fundamental Rights.
Writ can be issued against a person or government: Located only within its territorial jurisdiction or extra-territorial jurisdiction if action arises within its territorial jurisdiction.
Right to refuse exercising writ jurisdiction: May refuse, as a remedy under Article 226 is discretionary.

Correct Answer