Our office
When a government department, a public authority or a statutory body acts unlawfully, arbitrarily or not at all, Article 226 of the Constitution allows the High Court to correct it directly. The writ jurisdiction is the most direct remedy an individual has against the State.
We file and defend writ petitions before the Calcutta High Court in matters of administration, licensing, tenders, education, service, land acquisition and personal liberty, and appeals before the Division Bench and the Supreme Court.
What we handle
- Writs of mandamus against inaction by public authorities
- Certiorari against unlawful orders of authorities and tribunals
- Habeas corpus for illegal detention
- Challenges to tender decisions, licensing and blacklisting
- Education, admission and examination matters
- Land acquisition and compensation
- Public interest litigation
Frequently asked questions
There is no fixed limitation period, but the High Court can refuse relief where there has been unexplained delay. As a practical rule, a writ petition should be filed as soon as the cause arises and any representation to the authority has gone unanswered for a reasonable time.
Generally no. A writ lies against the State and its instrumentalities. It may lie against a private body that performs a public function or a public duty, but only in respect of that function.
Article 32 allows a person to approach the Supreme Court directly only for enforcement of fundamental rights. Article 226 empowers the High Court to issue writs both for fundamental rights and for any other legal right, which makes it the usual first forum.
This page describes the law and procedure generally applicable in West Bengal. It is not legal advice on any particular matter; every matter turns on its own facts.