What is the scope or purpose of the Writ of Habeas Corpus?

Habeas Corpus provides a remedy for a person who has been unlawfully held in prison or in police custody. The Writ can also be issued where a person has been detained by a private individual.

The Supreme Court and the High Courts command the detaining authority to bring the prisoner into Court to explain why he is being held. If the cause is insufficient, the prisoner is at once unconditionally released.