polity hard Fill in the Blank

The Supreme Court has evolved the concept of 'continuing mandamus' to monitor implementation of its directions in public interest cases by keeping the writ petition ______ and issuing periodic directions to executive agencies.

  1. closed
  2. pending
  3. dismissed
  4. transferred

Answer: pending

Continuing mandamus (judicial innovation): Court keeps writ petition pending while issuing periodic directions to executive agencies to ensure compliance with orders in PIL cases (e.g., environmental protection, police reforms, prison conditions). Features: (a) Regular reporting by agencies on progress, (b) Court reviews implementation, issues further directions, (c) Enables judicial monitoring without usurping executive function. Used in: MC Mehta cases (environment), Prakash Singh case (police reforms). Balances judicial oversight with separation of powers.

Topic Administrative Law - Continuing Mandamus
Exam Relevance Judicial enforcement mechanism question critical for UPSC Mains and Judiciary exams
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