V.G. Ramachandran's Law of Writs By V Sudhish Pai

V.G. Ramachandran’s Law of Writs is the most authoritative and exhaustive legal commentary on writ jurisdiction in India under Articles 32 and 226 of the Constitution. Originally authored by legendary jurist V.G. Ramachandran, the work has been completely revised, updated, and expanded by renowned constitutional law expert V. Sudhish Pai.

This two-volume treatise provides a comprehensive analysis of the theory and practice of writs—including habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari, prohibition, and quo warranto—and delves deeply into the constitutional and administrative framework governing writ remedies in India.

Key Highlights:

• Discusses the constitutional foundation of writ jurisdiction in India.
• Includes a detailed treatment of judicial review, locus standi, PIL, alternative remedies, delay and laches, natural justice, res judicata, etc.
• Analyses latest Supreme Court and High Court decisions on maintainability, territorial jurisdiction, procedural aspects, and impact of constitutional amendments.
• Contains model writ petitions, procedural rules, and full texts of relevant constitutional and statutory provisions.
• Incorporates rules of major High Courts and the Supreme Court Rules, making it a practical manual as well as a scholarly resource.
• Equally useful for legal practitioners, judges, law teachers, researchers, and advanced law students.

Volume I – Theory & General Principles

1. Introduction to Writ Jurisdiction
   • Constitutional basis: Articles 32 & 226
   • Historical origins in English writs
   • Evolution post-independence
2. Judicial Review: Theoretical Framework
   • Concept, scope, limits
   • Separation of powers and rule of law
3. Locus Standi & Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
   • Classic vs modern standing
   • Expansion through PIL jurisprudence
4. Alternative Remedies & Forum Shopping
   • Doctrine of exhaustion
   • Res judicata, rebus sic stantibus
5. Delay & Laches in Writ Petitions
   • Time-bar principles
   • Equity and natural justice considerations
6. Territorial & Personal Jurisdiction
   • Scope within High Courts’ purview
   • Cross-border writ challenges
7. Interplay with Administrative Tribunals
   • Exclusion clauses
   • Doctrine of jurisdictional facts
8. Natural Justice & Due Process
   • Nemo judex in causa sua
   • Audi alteram partem

Volume II – Specific Writs, Procedure & Appendices

Part A – Writs Demystified

1. Habeas Corpus
   • Scope and substance
   • Key Supreme Court judgments
2. Mandamus
   • Public duty enforcement
   • Remedies and limitations
3. Prohibition
   • Pre‑empting tribunal/judicial excesses
4. Certiorari
   • Judicial review via appeal/quashing
5. Quo Warranto
   • Challenge to public office

Part B – Supplementary Jurisdiction

1. Supervisory Jurisdiction
   • Under Articles 227/Bench-specific orders
2. Special Leave Petitions (SLPs)
   • Procedure, nuances, exceptions
3. Impact of Constitutional Amendments
   • Executive power reshaping writ remedies

Part C – Procedural Toolkit

1. Practice & Procedure
   • Filing norms, pleadings, hearing spectrum
   • Interim reliefs and directions
2. Drafting Model Writ Petitions
   • Structuring petitions
   • Sample templates

Part D – Appendices & Reference Materials

• Appendix I: Constitution of India
• Appendix II: Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Selected Chapters)
• Appendix III: Supreme Court Rules
• Appendix IV: High Court Rules (226/227 coverage)
• Appendix V: Model Drafts of Writ Petitions
• Index & Table of Cases
• Subject Index for quick referencing