Question:hard

In which of the following cases did Lord Wright observe that "the incalculable value of habeas corpus is that it enables the immediate determination of the applicant's freedom"?

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Whenever a question mentions Habeas Corpus, immediately associate it with protection against unlawful detention and preservation of personal liberty.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • Attorney General for Hong Kong v. Ng Yuen Shiu (1983) 2 AC 629
  • Bugdaycay v. Secretary of State for the Home Department (1987) AC 514
  • Greene v. Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1942) AC 284
  • Attorney General for New South Wales v. Trethowan (1932) AC 526
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Know the writ.
Habeas Corpus means "produce the body". It lets a court check whether a person's detention is lawful and order release if it is not.

Step 2: Understand its value.
Its main strength is speed, because it allows the court to decide a person's freedom at once.

Step 3: Recall the observation.
Lord Wright praised this writ, saying its incalculable value is that it enables the immediate determination of the applicant's freedom.

Step 4: Identify the case.
This famous observation was made in Greene v. Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1942) AC 284.

Step 5: Rule out the others.
Ng Yuen Shiu dealt with legitimate expectation, Bugdaycay with asylum and judicial review, and Trethowan with manner and form of legislation. None carry Lord Wright's habeas corpus statement.

Step 6: Final answer.
The observation was made in the Greene case.
\[ \boxed{\text{Greene v. Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1942) AC 284}} \]
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