Explain briefly the various types of writs provided under the Constitution of India for the enforcement of fundamental rights.

The Constitution of India has provided following types of writs for the enforcement of fundamental rights:- Habeas Corpus The writ of habeas corpus is a remedy available to a person who is confined without legal justification. The words "Habeas Corpus" literally mean "to have a body". This is an order to let the Court know on what ground he has been confined and to set him free if there is no legal justification for his detention. This writ has to be obeyed by the detaining authority by production of the person before the Court. Under Articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution, any person may move the Supreme Court and the High Court of competent jurisdiction respectively, for the issue of this writ. Mandamus The expression "Mandamus" means a command. The writ of mandamus is, thus, a command issued to direct any person, corporation, inferior Court or Government authority requiring him to do a particular thing therein specified which pertains to his or their office and is further in the nature of a public duty. This writ is used when the inferior tribunal has declined to exercise jurisdiction. Mandamus can be issued against any public authority. The applicant must have a legal right to the performance of a legal duty by the person against whom the writ is prayed. Mandamus is not issued if the public authority has discretion. Prohibition The writ of prohibition is issued by the Supreme Court or any High Court to an inferior Court preventing the latter from usurping jurisdiction which is not legally vested in it. It compels courts to act within their jurisdiction when a tribunal acts without or in excess of jurisdiction or in violation of rules or law. The writ of prohibition is available only against judicial or quasi-judicial authorities and is not available against a public officer who is not vested with judicial functions. If abuse of power is apparent this writ may be prayed for as a matter of right and not a matter of discretion. The Supreme Court may issue this writ only in case of Fundamental Rights being affected by reason of the jurisdictional defect in the proceedings. This writ is available during the pendency of the proceedings and before the order is made. Certiorari The writ of certiorari is available to any person whenever any body of persons having legal authority to determine questions affecting the rights of subjects and having the duty to act judicially, acts in excess of its legal authority. The writ removes the proceedings from such body to the High Court in order to quash a decision that goes beyond the jurisdiction of the deciding authority. Quo warranto The writ of quo warranto is prayed for an inquiry into the legality of the claim which a person asserts to an office or franchise and to oust him from such position if he is an usurper. The holder of the office has to show to the Court under what authority he holds the office. This writ is issued when: the office is of a public and of a substantive nature; the office is created by a Statute or by the Constitution itself; and the respondent must have asserted his claim to the office. It can issue even though he has not assumed charge of the office. The fundamental basis of the proceedings of quo warranto is that the public has an interest to see that no unauthorised person usurps a public office.