Article 32 gives every citizen the right to move the Supreme Court directly for enforcement of fundamental rights. Without this article, all other rights would be toothless.
The Five Writs
| Writ | Meaning | Used For |
|---|---|---|
| Habeas Corpus | ”Produce the body” | Challenge illegal detention |
| Mandamus | ”We command” | Force a public authority to perform its duty |
| Prohibition | ”To forbid” | Stop a lower court from exceeding jurisdiction |
| Certiorari | ”To be certified” | Quash an order of a lower court/tribunal |
| Quo Warranto | ”By what authority” | Challenge a person’s right to hold public office |
Article 226 — High Courts
High Courts have a similar but wider power — they can issue writs for any legal right, not just fundamental rights. This makes them more accessible for most citizens.
“Article 32 is the very soul of the Constitution and the very heart of it.” — Dr. B.R. Ambedkar