Quo warranto
| Literal meaning | By what authority |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | kwoh wah-RAN-toh |
A writ that asks a person holding a public office by what authority they hold it. If they have no legal right, they are removed.
Example
A person is appointed as a university Vice-Chancellor without having the required qualifications. A High Court can ask by what authority he holds the post.
Case laws
- University of Mysore v. C.D. Govinda Rao (1964), Supreme Court: the Court explained that quo warranto lies where the office is public, is created by law, and the person holds it without the required qualification.
Statutory link
Articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution of India.
Exam tip
Remember that the office must be a public office created by statute or the Constitution.
Memory trick
Quo warranto = show your authority.
Key takeaway
Quo warranto removes a person who holds a public office without legal right.
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