Question:

In which of the following cases did Lord Wright observe that "the incalculable value of habeas corpus is that it enables the immediate determination of the applicant's freedom"?

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Whenever a question mentions Habeas Corpus, immediately associate it with protection against unlawful detention and preservation of personal liberty.
Updated On: Jun 8, 2026
  • Attorney General for Hong Kong v. Ng Yuen Shiu (1983) 2 AC 629
  • Bugdaycay v. Secretary of State for the Home Department (1987) AC 514
  • Greene v. Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1942) AC 284
  • Attorney General for New South Wales v. Trethowan (1932) AC 526
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The writ of Habeas Corpus is regarded as one of the most important safeguards of personal liberty in constitutional and administrative law. The expression literally means ``produce the body'' and enables a court to examine whether the detention of a person is lawful. The remedy developed in English common law and later became an essential constitutional protection in democratic legal systems.

Step 1: Understanding the significance of Habeas Corpus.
The primary purpose of Habeas Corpus is to provide a speedy judicial remedy against unlawful detention. Whenever an individual's liberty is restrained, the court can immediately inquire into the legality of such detention and order release if the detention is found to be unlawful.

Step 2: Examining Lord Wright's observation.
Lord Wright emphasized the exceptional importance of Habeas Corpus by stating that its ``incalculable value'' lies in enabling the immediate determination of a person's freedom. The statement highlights the urgency attached to cases involving personal liberty and unlawful confinement.

Step 3: Identifying the relevant case.
This famous observation was made by Lord Wright in Greene v. Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1942) AC 284. The case is frequently cited in discussions concerning constitutional remedies and the protection of individual liberty.

Step 4: Legal importance of the decision.
The decision reinforced the principle that liberty occupies a special position in law and that courts must remain vigilant whenever executive action restricts personal freedom. \[ \boxed{\text{The observation was made in Greene v. Secretary of State for Home Affairs (1942).}} \]
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