BharatNotes Injunction
noun (countable)Usage in a UPSC answer
The Supreme Court granted an interim injunction restraining the state government from demolishing the heritage structure, holding that irreparable harm would result if demolition proceeded before the writ petition was heard on merits.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
injunct (verb, rare), injunctive (adjective), enjoin (verb), conjunction (cognate noun), junction (cognate noun)
Root
Latin injunctio ← injungere (to enjoin) ← in- (upon) + jungere (to join, to impose)
Etymology
From Latin injunctio (an enjoining), the noun of action from injungere (to impose upon, to fasten upon). Related to jugum (yoke) and conjugate. Entered English legal vocabulary in the 16th century through Chancery practice.
Memory Hook
INJUNCTION = IN-JUNCTION: a junction (joining point) where the court steps IN to stop or compel action. Think of a railway junction where the court's order acts as a signal — it either stops or routes the train.
How This Word Works in UPSC Writing
A court order requiring a party to do something or to refrain from doing it. In GS2 it is worth knowing as the principal preventive judicial remedy, since it stops a harm before it occurs rather than compensating afterwards. The distinction between an interim order made while proceedings continue and a permanent order made at final decree is the detail most often missed.
Don’t Confuse It With
An injunction commands or forbids an act. Damages compensate after harm has occurred. A stay halts proceedings or the operation of an order. A mandatory injunction requires positive action, while a prohibitory one forbids it, and the two are not interchangeable.
Hindi Meaning
व्यादेश (vyādesh) or निषेधाज्ञा (nishedhāgyā) for a prohibitory injunction.
Common Questions
- What is an injunction?
- A court order requiring a person to do a particular act or to stop doing one.
- What is the difference between an interim and a permanent injunction?
- An interim injunction operates while the case is still being heard. A permanent injunction is granted as part of the final decision.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Mains 2020 · GS4 · 10 marks — Ethics and Human Interface
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Injunction” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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