Prohibition

Literally, it means 'to forbid’. It is issued by a higher court to a lower court or tribunal to prevent the latter from exceeding its jurisdiction or usurping a jurisdiction that it does not possess. Thus, unlike mandamus that directs activity, the prohibition directs inactivity.

The writ of prohibition can be issued only against judicial and quasi- judicial authorities. It is not available against administrative authorities, legislative bodies, and private individuals or bodies.