Application for a writ of mandamus shall be made by filing a petition in mandamus in the appropriate court.

The petition in mandamus shall contain a statement of the facts, the relief sought, and a statement of the reasons why the writ should issue.

The petition in mandamus shall be accompanied by suggestions in support thereof.

A copy of any order, opinion, record or part thereof, document, or other item that may be essential to an understanding of the matters set forth in the petition in mandamus shall be attached as exhibits if not set forth therein. The pages of the exhibits shall be numbered consecutively.

An index of all exhibits also shall be attached. Exhibits shall be identified in the index by number or letter and page and, in addition, shall be described so that the court can distinguish the exhibits.