A writ is a formal written order issued by a court, commanding the addressee to perform or refrain from performing a specified act. It serves as a directive from a legal authority, often requiring compliance with a legal obligation or the performance of a duty. The nature of a writ is such that it acts as a command, and it is typically issued in the context of judicial proceedings to enforce rights or obligations.

In the context of the provided legal document, it is noted that a writ is characterized as a command to do or refrain from doing something, and it is described as having a formal nature, often associated with the authority of the state or a competent legal authority. The document emphasizes that a writ involves a directive or command, distinguishing it from other forms of judicial orders that may not carry the same authoritative weight.

The document further clarifies that in the specific case discussed, the order passed by the learned Single Judge did not constitute a writ, as it lacked the essential characteristics of a command or directive. Instead, it was determined to be a revision of a prior order, exercised under supervisory jurisdiction rather than original jurisdiction. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature and function of writs within the legal framework.

Relevant document references: [p_47], [p_50].