WorldAugust 10, 2026

writ

RIT

Definition

A formal, written legal order issued by a court of law that commands an authority or individual to perform or refrain from a specific action.

Etymology

Derived from the Old English 'writ', meaning 'a thing written', which comes from the verb 'writan' (to write). It evolved from referring to any legal document to specifically denoting a formal court order.

In the news

The Supreme Court refers to a 'writ of mandamus' and discusses whether the petitioner's new 'writ petition' is maintainable, highlighting the difference between seeking a new legal command and enforcing an existing court order.

‘Don’t Spoil A Good Case’: SC Tells Ashwini Upadhyay In PIL Seeking Regulation Of All Religious Schools...

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LawBeat

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