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Writ Challenging Subordinate Legislation

Prerogative Writs & Extraordinary Remedies

Definition

An Article 226 writ petition praying to declare administrative rules, regulations, or statutory notifications void because they travel beyond the rule-making power conferred by the parent Act.

Example

In Indian Express Newspapers v. Union of India, the Supreme Court examined the validity of customs duty notifications on imported newsprint, establishing that subordinate legislation can be challenged on grounds of manifest arbitrariness and unreasonableness.