Which of the following statements about the Writ of Mandamus is/are co

Which of the following statements about the Writ of Mandamus is/are correct ?

  • 1. Mandamus lies against the Government.
  • 2. Mandamus lies against inferior Courts and Tribunals.
  • 3. Mandamus lies against individuals in cases where a public duty is imposed on them.

Select the correct answer using the code given below :

1, 2 and 3
2 and 3 only
1 and 3 only
1 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018
All three statements about the Writ of Mandamus are correct.
Mandamus is a judicial writ issued by a higher court (Supreme Court or High Court) commanding a public official, lower court, tribunal, corporation, or any person/body performing a public duty, to perform a specific public duty which they are legally bound to perform but have failed or refused to do.
1. Mandamus lies against the government and governmental officials for performance of public duties.
2. Mandamus lies against inferior courts and tribunals if they refuse to exercise their jurisdiction or perform a duty imposed by law.
3. Mandamus generally does not lie against private individuals or bodies, but it *does* lie against individuals or private bodies when they are performing a public duty or are legally obligated to perform a public function imposed by statute or common law.