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.
- closed
- pending
- dismissed
- 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.