Certiorari

A writ that quashes an order of a lower court or a tribunal that acted without jurisdiction, or that made a clear error of law.

• Hari Vishnu Kamath v. Syed Ahmad Ishaque (1955), Supreme Court: the Court set out the grounds on which certiorari is issued, including excess of jurisdiction and error of law apparent on the face of the record.
• Syed Yakoob v. K.S. Radhakrishnan (1964), Supreme Court: the Court explained that certiorari is not an appeal and cannot correct errors of fact.

Articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution of India.

Contrast with prohibition: certiorari acts after the order, prohibition acts before it.

Certiorari = quash it.

Certiorari quashes a decision made without jurisdiction or with a clear error of law.