1.9.2. Writ Jurisdiction

Article 226 empowers High Court to issue writs, including habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari, prohibition and quo warranto for enforcing fundamental rights and for any other purpose as well (enforcement of an ordinary legal right). The High Court can issue writs to any government authority, any person not only within its territorial jurisdiction, but also outside it if the cause of action arises within its territorial jurisdiction.

The writ jurisdiction of the High Court is wider than that of the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court can issue writs only to enforce fundamental rights whereas the High Court can issue writs for the breach of any ordinary legal right. Writ jurisdiction of the High Court is also the part of basic structure of the constitution.