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Specimen Writ Petition -- High Court Format Under Article 226 2026

Complete specimen writ petition format for High Court under Article 226. Ready-to-use template with all sections, prayer, affidavit, interim application.

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March 25, 2026 3 min read 43 views Updated Jul 4, 2026

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Complete Specimen Writ Petition

[Illustrative template for Article 226 -- Mandamus]

IN THE HIGH COURT OF [STATE] AT [CITY]

WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) NO. _____ OF 20XX

[Under Article 226 of the Constitution of India]

[Petitioner Name], a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, CIN: [Number], having its registered office at [Address], represented by its authorized signatory [Name, Designation] ..... PETITIONER

VERSUS

1. The Registrar of Companies, [State], having office at [Address] ..... RESPONDENT No. 1
2. The Ministry of Corporate Affairs, through the Regional Director, [Address] ..... RESPONDENT No. 2

WRIT PETITION UNDER ARTICLE 226 FOR ISSUANCE OF A WRIT OF MANDAMUS

SYNOPSIS AND LIST OF DATES

[Brief 1-page summary + chronological list of key events with dates]

PETITION

To,
The Hon'ble Chief Justice and Companion Justices of the High Court of [State]

The Petitioner most respectfully submits:

1. The Petitioner is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, 2013, engaged in [business]. The Petitioner is aggrieved by the action/inaction of the Respondents as detailed herein.

2. [Facts -- chronological, numbered paragraphs. Describe the government action being challenged, the Petitioner's representations, and the Respondent's response/inaction.]

3-N. [Detailed facts]

GROUNDS

The Petitioner submits the following grounds:

A. The impugned action/inaction of the Respondent is ARBITRARY and violates Article 14 of the Constitution -- equal protection and non-arbitrariness.

B. The Respondent has FAILED TO PERFORM a statutory duty mandated by Section [X] of [Act] -- constituting illegal omission.

C. The impugned order was passed WITHOUT HEARING the Petitioner -- violating principles of natural justice (audi alteram partem).

D. The Respondent has EXCEEDED JURISDICTION by [describe].

E. No adequate ALTERNATIVE REMEDY exists / the alternative remedy is inefficacious in the circumstances.

PRAYER

In view of the above, the Petitioner prays that this Court may be pleased to:

(a) Issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the Respondent to [specific action -- process the application / grant the approval / revoke the order];

(b) Quash the impugned order/action dated [Date] (Annexure P-[Number]);

(d) Award costs of this Petition;

(e) Grant any other relief as this Court may deem fit.

INTERIM APPLICATION

[If urgent relief needed -- filed along with the main petition seeking stay/status quo]

AFFIDAVIT

[Verified affidavit of the authorized signatory -- supporting all facts stated in the petition]

ANNEXURES

P-1: [Impugned order/action]
P-2: [Petitioner's representations]
P-3: [Respondent's reply]
P-4: [Other supporting documents]

Filed through: [Advocate Name], [Enrollment No.] | Date: [Date]

Filing Checklist

(a) Synopsis and List of Dates, (b) Petition with grounds and prayer, (c) Affidavit verified by the Petitioner, (d) Interim Application (if needed), (e) Annexures -- indexed and paginated, (f) Vakalatnama -- advocate's authorization, (g) Court fee -- as per state rules, (h) Memo of Parties, (i) Filing done through e-filing portal of the High Court (most High Courts).

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy based on the latest laws and amendments, readers should consult a qualified professional before acting on any information provided. For expert assistance, contact us.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What documents must be filed with the writ petition?

Essential documents: (1) PETITION -- typed, numbered paragraphs, with grounds and prayer, (2) SYNOPSIS AND LIST OF DATES -- chronological summary (required by most High Courts), (3) AFFIDAVIT -- supporting the facts (verified, notarized), (4) ANNEXURES -- copies of: impugned order, representations, replies, supporting documents, (5) INTERIM APPLICATION (if urgent relief needed), (6) VAKALATNAMA -- advocate's authorization, (7) COURT FEE -- as prescribed, (8) MEMO OF PARTIES -- names and addresses. All annexures must be indexed, paginated, and certified as true copies.

What is the limitation for filing a writ petition?

There is NO fixed limitation period for writ petitions under Article 226 -- unlike suits which have specific limitation under the Limitation Act. However: (1) the court may refuse to entertain if there is UNREASONABLE DELAY (laches) -- typically, petition should be filed within 3-6 months of the impugned action, (2) the court considers: (a) when the petitioner knew about the action, (b) whether the delay is explained, (c) whether third-party rights have intervened. For writ petitions against STATUTORY NOTICES/ORDERS: file as early as possible -- preferably within 30-60 days.

Can a company file a writ petition?

YES -- a company (as a juristic person) has fundamental rights under: (1) Article 14 -- right to equality (applicable to companies), (2) Article 19(1)(g) -- right to carry on trade/business (applicable to companies through shareholders), (3) Article 300A -- right against deprivation of property. A company files through an AUTHORIZED SIGNATORY -- director or CS authorized by Board Resolution. The Board Resolution authorizing the filing should be attached as an annexure. The affidavit is sworn by the authorized signatory.

When can a writ petition be filed despite alternative remedy?

Despite alternative remedy existing: writs are entertained when: (1) the alternative remedy is INADEQUATE or INEFFICACIOUS, (2) the impugned action is WITHOUT JURISDICTION (the authority had no power), (3) FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS are violated -- Article 226 is a direct constitutional remedy, (4) NATURAL JUSTICE was violated -- no hearing given, (5) the alternative remedy would cause UNDUE DELAY and irreparable harm, (6) the issue is a PURE QUESTION OF LAW -- no facts in dispute, (7) the case involves CONSTITUTIONAL interpretation. However: courts generally INSIST on exhausting statutory remedies first -- writ is for exceptional circumstances.

What interim relief can be sought in a writ petition?

Common interim reliefs: (1) STAY of the impugned order -- preventing its enforcement pending hearing, (2) STATUS QUO -- maintaining the current position, (3) AD INTERIM relief (ex parte) -- immediate temporary relief without hearing the respondent, (4) Direction to maintain the SUBJECT MATTER -- preventing destruction/alienation, (5) Direction to the respondent to CONSIDER the petitioner's representation within a specified time. The court grants interim relief based on: (a) prima facie case, (b) irreparable harm if relief is not granted, (c) balance of convenience. File an INTERIM APPLICATION along with the main petition.