Question

A writ of Mandamus can be issued by the Supreme Court of India to

• A. An official to perform public duty
• B. The Prime Minister to dissolve the Cabinet
• C. The Government to fix minimum wages
• D. A corporate company to pay the salaries to its employees

Hint:

Five Constitutional Writs:

• Habeas Corpus

• Mandamus

• Prohibition

• Certiorari

• Quo Warranto
Mandamus = "We Command" and is issued to compel the performance of a public duty.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Recall the plain meaning of mandamus.
Mandamus literally means we command, and it directs someone to carry out a duty they are legally bound to perform.
Step 2: Eliminate the political and private options.
Directing the Prime Minister to dissolve the Cabinet or fixing minimum wages are political and policy matters, and directing a private company to pay salaries falls outside public duty, so none of these fit.
Step 3: Apply the correct scope of mandamus.
Mandamus is issued to a public official or authority to compel performance of a public duty they have failed to carry out.
\[ \boxed{\text{An official to perform public duty}} \]