Interpretation of Statutes Summary

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Interpretation Of Statutes - Summary - lectures 1 - 15
Interpretation of statues (University of Gujrat)
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Subject: Interpretation of statutes
Semester: seventh semester
Compilation date: 22 November, 2005 to 5th December, 2005.
Author: J.Vasanth Adithya
E-mail: vasanth.adithya@gmail.com
Preface

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This is a compilation of notes and lectures on the subject titled

“INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES”. It is a ready-to-use gist for law
students and the primary objective of this gist is to enable the reader
to understand the in-depths of the subject and to provide exam
oriented information.
This has been a new initiative from GOODWORD and we hope that it
will definitely be of some use to law students and to others who are
interested in this subject.
Suggestions and additions to the compilation are welcomed.
Wishing you all the best!
J.Vasanth Adithya
Author
CONTENTS

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1. General principles of interpretation.

2. Internal Aid to Interpretation.
3. Amending, Consolidating and Codifying Statutes.
4. Interpretation of Fiscal Statutes.
5. Interpretation of the Constitution.
6. Legal Fiction.
7. Statutes affecting the crown of the State.
8. External Aid to Interpretation of Statutes.
9. Beneficial Construction.
10.Presumption affecting the jurisdiction of the Court.
11.Operation of a statute.
12.Mandatory and Directory Statues.
13.Interpretation of Penal Statutes.
14.The General Clauses Act, 1897- Effect of repeal.
Short notes.
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF INTERPRETATION
Introduction

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The term interpretation means “To give meaning to”. Governmental

power has been divided into three wings namely the legislature, the
executive and the judiciary. Interpretation of statues to render justice is
the primary function of the judiciary. It is the duty of the Court to
interpret the Act and give meaning to each word of the Statute.
The most common rule of interpretation is that every part of the

statute must be understood in a harmonious manner by reading and
construing every part of it together.
The maxim “A Verbis legis non est recedendum” means that you must
not vary the words of the statute while interpreting it.
The object of interpretation of statutes is to determine the intention of

the legislature conveyed expressly or impliedly in the language used.
In Santi swarup Sarkar v pradeep kumar sarkar, the Supreme Court

held that if two interpretations are possible of the same statute, the
one which validates the statute must be preferred.
Kinds of Interpretation
There are generally two kind of interpretation; literal interpretation and

logical interpretation.

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Literal interpretation
Giving words their ordinary and natural meaning is known as literal
interpretation or litera legis. It is the duty of the court not to modify the
language of the Act and if such meaning is clear and unambiguous,
effect should be given to the provisions of a statute whatever may be
the consequence. The idea behind such a principle is that the
legislature, being the supreme law making body must know what it
intends in the words of the statute. Literal interpretation has been
called the safest rule because the legislature’s intention can be
deduced only from the language through which it has expressed itself.
The bare words of the Act must be construed to get the meaning of the
statute and one need not probe into the intention of the legislature.
The elementary rule of construction is that the language must be
construed in its grammatical and literal sense and hence it is termed
as litera legis or litera script.
The Golden Rule is that the words of a statute must prima facie be
given their ordinary meaning. This interpretation is supreme and is
called the golden rule of interpretation.
In Ramanjaya Singh v Baijnath Singh, the Election tribunal set aside

the election of the appellant under s 123(7) of the Representation of
People’s Act, 1951 on the grounds that the appellant had employed
more persons than prescribed for electioneering purpose. The
appellant contended that the excess employees were paid by his father
and hence were not employed by him. The Supreme Court followed the

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grammatical interpretation of S 123(7) and termed the excess

employees as volunteers.
In Maqbool Hussain v State of Bombay, the appellant, a citizen of India,

on arrival at an airport did not declare that he brought gold with him.
Gold, found in his possession during search in violation of government
notification, was confiscated under S 167 (8) Sea Customs Act, 1878.
He was charged under s 8 of the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act,
1947. The appellant pleaded that his trial under the Act was violative
of Art 20(2) of the constitution relating to double jeopardy as he was
already punished for his act by was of confiscation of the gold. It was
held by the Supreme Court that the sea customs authority is not a
court or a judicial tribunal and the confiscation is not a penalty.
Consequently his trial was valid under the Act of 1947.
In Madan mohan v K.Chandrashekara, it was held that when a statute

contains strict and stringent provisions, it must be literally and strictly
construed to promote the object of the act.
In Bhavnagar University v Palitana Sugar Mills Pvt Ltd, it was held that
according to the fundamental principles of construction the statute
should be read as a whole, then chapter by chapter, section by section
and then word by word.
In Municipal board v State transport authority, Rajasthan, an

application against the change of location of a bus stand could be
made within 30 days of receipt of order of regional transport authority
according to s 64 A of the Motor vehicles Act, 1939. The application
was moved after 30 days on the contention that statute must be read
as “30 days from the knowledge of the order”

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The Supreme Court held that literal interpretation must be made and
hence rejected the application as invalid.
In Raghunandan Saran v M/s Peary Lal workshop Pvt Ltd, the supreme
court validated 14 ( 2) of the Delhi Rent Control Act 1958 and provided
the benefit of eviction on account of non payment of rent. The
Supreme Court adopted grammatical interpretation.
Exceptions to the rule of literal interpretation

Generally a statute must be interpreted in its grammatical sense but
under the following circumstances it is not possible:-
Logical defects
A) ambiguity
B) inconsistency
C) incompleteness or lacunae
D) unreasonableness
Logical interpretation
If the words of a statute give rise to two or more construction, then the
construction which validates the object of the Act must be given effect
while interpreting.
It is better to validate a thing than to invalidate it or it is better the Act
prevails than perish.
The purpose of construction is to ascertain the intention of the
parliament.
The mischief rule

The mischief rule of interpretation originated in Heydon’s case. If there
are two interpretations possible for the material words of a statute,
then for sure and true interpretation there are certain considerations in
the form of questions.

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The following questions must b considered.
1. What was the common law before making the Act?

2. What was the mischief and defect for which the common law did
not provide a remedy?
3. What is the remedy resolved by the parliament to cure the
disease of the common wealth?
4. The true reason of the remedy.
The judge should always try to suppress the mischief and advance the
remedy. The mischief rule says that the intent of the legislature behind
the enactment should be followed.
Rule of casus omissus

Generally, the court is bound to harmonize the various provisions of an
Act passed by the legislature during interpretation so that repugnancy
is avoided. Sometimes certain matters might have been omitted in a
statute. In such cases, they cannot be added by construction as it
amounts to making of laws or amending which is a function of
legislature. A new provision cannot be added in a statute giving it
meaning not otherwise found therein. A word omitted from the
language of the statute, but within the general scope of the statute,
and omitted due to inadvertence is known as Casus Omissus.
In Padma Sundara Rao v State of Tamil Nadu it was held that the
cassus omissus cannot be supplied by the court except in the case of a
clear necessity and when reason for it is found within the four corners
of the statute itself.
Rule of ejusdem generis

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Ejusdem generis means “of the same kind”. Generally particular words
are given their natural meaning provided the context does not require
otherwise. If general words follow particular words pertaining to a
class, category or genus then it is construed that general words are
limited to mean the person or thing of the same general class,
category or genus as those particularly exposed.
Eg: if the husband asks the wife to buy bread, milk and cake and if the
wife buys jam along with them, it is not invalidated merely because of
not specifying it but is valid because it is of the same kind.
The basic rule is that if the legislature intended general words to be

used in unrestricted sense, then it need not have used particular words
at all. This rule is not of universal application.
In Devendra Surti v State of Gujarat, under s2 (4) of the Bombay shops
and Establishments Act, 1948 the term commercial establishment
means “an establishments which carries any trade, business or
profession”. Here the word profession is associated to business or trade
and hence a private doctor’s clinic cannot be included in the above
definitions as under the rule of Ejusdem Generis.
In Grasim Industries Ltd v Collector of Customs, Bombay, the rule of
Ejusdem Generis is applicable when particular words pertaining to a
class, category or genus are followed by general words.
In such a case the general words are construed as limited to things of
the same kind as those specified.
Every clause of a statute must be construed with reference to other

clauses of the Act.

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CHAPTER 2
INTERNAL AID OF INTERPRETATION
INTRODUCTION
Statute generally means the law or the Act of the legislature authority.
The general rule of the interpretation is that statutes must prima facie
be given this ordinary meaning. If the words are clear, free from
ambiguity there is no need to refer to other means of interpretation.
But if the words are vague and ambiguous then internal aid may be
sought for interpretation.
INTERNAL AIDS
1. Context
If the words of a statute are ambiguous then the context must be
taken into consideration. The context includes other provisions of

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the statute, its preamble, the existing state of law and other legal
provisions. The intention behind the meaning of the words and the
circumstances under which they are framed must be considered.
2. Title
Title is not part of enactment. So it cannot be legally used to restrict
the plain meaning of the words in an enactment.
Long title
The heading of the statute is the long title and the general purpose is
described in it.
E.g. Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, the long title reads as
follows “An Act to make provisions for the prevention of adulteration of
food”.
In Re Kerala Education bill, the Supreme Court held that the policy and
purpose may be deduced from the long title and the preamble.
In Manohar Lal v State of Punjab, Long title of the Act is relied as a

guide to decide the scope of the Act.
Short Title
The short title of the Act is purely for reference only. The short title is
merely for convenience. E.g. The Indian Penal Code, 1860.
3.Preamble
The Act Starts with a preamble and is generally small. The main
objective and purpose of the Act are found in the Preamble of the
Statute. “Preamble is the Act in a nutshell. It is a preparatory
statement. It contains the recitals showing the reason for enactment of
the Act. If the language of the Act is clear the preamble must be
ignored. The preamble is an intrinsic aid in the interpretation of an
ambiguous act.

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In Kashi Prasad v State, the court held that even though the preamble
cannot be used to defeat the enacting clauses of a statute, it can be
treated as a key for the interpretation of the statute.
4.Headings
A group of Sections are given under a heading which act as their
preamble. Sometimes a single section might have a preamble. S.378-
441 of IPC is “Offences against property”.
Headings are prefixed to sections. They are treated as preambles. If
there is ambiguity in the words of a statute, headings can be referred.
In Durga Thathera v Narain Thathera, the court held that the headings
are like a preamble which helps as a key to the mind of the legislature
but do not control the substantive section of the enactment.
5. Marginal notes
Marginal notes are the notes that are printed at the side of the section
in an Act and it summarizes the effect of the section. They are not part
of the statute. So they must not be considered. But if there is any
ambiguity they may be referred only as an internal aid to the
construction.
In Wilkes v Goodwin, the Court held that the side notes are not part of
the Act and hence marginal notes cannot be referred.
6. Proviso
A proviso merely carves out something from the section itself. A
proviso is a subsidiary to the main section and has to be construed in
the light of the section itself. Ordinarily, a proviso is intended to be part
of the section and not an addendum to the main provisions. A proviso
should receive strict construction. The court is not entitled to add
words to a proviso with a view to enlarge the scope.

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7. Definition/ Interpretation clause

The legislature can lay down legal definitions of its own language, if
such definitions are embodied in the statute itself, it becomes binding
on the courts.
When the act itself provides a dictionary for the words used, the court
must first look into that dictionary for interpretation.
In Mayor of Portsmouth v Smith, the court observed “The introduction
of interpretation clause is a novelty.”
8. Conjunctive and Disjunctive words
The word “and” is conjunctive and the word “or” is disjunctive. These
words are often interchangeable. The word ‘and’ can be read as ‘or’
and ‘or’ can be read as ‘and’.
9. Gender
Words’ using the masculine gender is deemed to include females too.
10. Punctuation
Punctuation is disregarded in the construction of a statute. Generally
there was no punctuation in the statutes framed in England before
1849.
Punctuation cannot control, vary or modify the plain and simple
meaning of the language of the statute.
11. Explanations
IN certain provisions of an Act explanations may be needed when
doubts arise as to the meaning of the particular section.
Explanations are given at the end of each section and it is part and
parcel of the enactment.
12. Exceptions and savings clause

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To exempt certain clauses from the preview of the main provisions, and
exception clause is provided. The things which are not exempted fall
within the purview of the main enactment.
The saving clause is also added in cases of repeal and re-enactment of
a statute.
13. Schedules
Schedules form part of a statute. They are at the end and contain
minute details for working out the provisions of the express enactment.
The expression in the schedule cannot override the provisions of the
express enactment.
Inconsistency between schedule and the Act, the Act prevails. (
Ramchand textiles v sales tax officer)
14. Illustrations
Illustrations in enactment provided by the legislature are valuable aids
in the understanding the real scope.
15. Meaning of the words

The definition of the words given must be construed in the popular
sense. Internal aid to construction is important for interpretation.

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CHAPTER 3
AMENDING, CONSOLIDATIONG AND CODIFYING STATUTE
INRODUCTION
A Consolidating statute is a statute which collects the statutory

provisions relating to a particular topic, and embodies them in a single
Act of parliament, making minor amendments and improvements.
CONSOLIDATING STATUTE
The object of a consolidating statute is to present entire body of
different statutory laws on a particular subject in a complete form. This
is done by repealing all former statutes.
Consolidating statutes are of three types
1. Consolidating statutes without changes
2. Consolidating statutes with minor changes.
3. Consolidating Act with amendment.

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RULES OF INTERPRETAION
A) Presumption
In enactment of a consolidating Act, the presumption is that the
parliament is intended to alter the existing law. The further
presumption is that the words used in the consolidating Act bear the
same meaning as that of the enactment for which consolidation is
made.
However, if the words have origin in different legislations, then the
same meaning cannot be sustained.
B) INCONSISTENCY
In case of inconsistency between the provisions of a consolidating Act,
it is pertinent to refer to different previous enactments with reference
to dates of enactment in chronological order.
For the purpose of enactment of a consolidating Act it is in order to
refer to previous laws, existing laws, judicial decisions, common law
etc.
Just because certain terms of a non- repealed statute are used in the
consolidating statute, it does not mean that the non-repealed statute
and general laws are affected by the consolidating statute.
A consolidating statute is not simply a compilation of different earlier

statutes, but enacted with co-ordination and for the changing present
social circumstances. In this context a consolidating statute may also
be an amendment act.
E.g. Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.
In Galloway v Galloway, it was argued as per a 26 (1) of the

matrimonial clauses Act, 1950, the term “children” is limited to
legitimate children only.

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The interpretation was rejected by Lord Radcliff and gave a liberal

interpretation to include illegitimate children also.
CODIFYING STATUTE
A codifying statute is a statute which states exhaustively the whole of
the law upon a particular subject. The maker of law incorporates in the
enactment both the pre-existing statutory provisions and the common
law relating to the subject.
The purpose of a codifying statute is to present uniform, orderly and
authoritative rules on a particular subject.
When once the law has been codified, it cannot be modified gradually
from day to day, as the changing circumstances of the community. Any
modifications to it whether of a minor matter or a major amendment
must be made by the legislature (bank of England v vagliano brothers)
Lord Hershell interprets a codifying statute as follows:- “ The object of
a codifying Act is to end the conflict of decisions .A codifying statute
does not exclude reference to earlier case laws on the subject for the
purpose of true interpretation of the words. The reference of the
previous legislations is for the reason of removal of ambiguity. The aim
of a codifying statute is to declare the law on the subject so that the
judge, by true interpretation of words decides the meaning within the
parameter of such law.
In Subba Rao v Commissioner of Income Tax , the Supreme Court held
that the Income Tax Act, 1922 is a self-contained code exhaustive with
the matters dealt with therein, and its provisions show An intention to
depart from common rule law “qui facet per alium facit per se”. The
preamble of the Act states it to be an act to consolidate and amend.
Therefore the court should try to find out the true scope of the code
and matters dealt with exhaustively therein.
To conclude, the difference between a consolidating and codifying

statutes are that the aim of a consolidating statute is to enact a

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complete code on a particular subject by not only compilation but also

by addition but a codifying statute states exhaustively the whole of the
law upon a particular subject.

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CHAPTER 4
STRICT CONSTRUCTION OF TAXING STATUTES
INTRODUCTION
Statutes imposing taxes or monetary burdens are to strictly construed.
The logic behind this principle is that imposition of taxes is also a kind
of imposition of penalty which can only be imposed if the language of
the statute unequivocally says so.
Any kind of intendment or presumption as to tax does not exist.
TAX AND FEE
In case of a fee, there is a specific service rendered to the fee payer.
(Quid pro quo), whereas for the tax payer no direct services are
rendered but the service assumes the form of public expenditure
rendered to the public at large.
Rules of interpretation
1 Charging Section
The section that charges the tax must have clear words. Before taxing
any individual it must be clearly established that the person to be
taxed falls within the purview of the charging section by clear words.
There is no implication of the law. If a person cannot be brought within
the four corners of the law, he is free from tax liability.
In Calcutta Jute Manufacturing Co. v Commercial Tax officer, the
Supreme Court held that in case of interpreting a taxing statute, one
has to look into what is clearly stated. There is no room for searching
the intentions, presumptions or equity.
In Mathuram Agarwal v State of Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme Court
held that words cannot be added or substituted to find a meaning in a
statute so as to serve the intention of the legislature. Every taxing
statute must contain three aspects; subject of tax, person to be taxed
and the rate of tax.

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2. Strict and favourable construction

Taxing enactment should be strictly construed and the right to tax
should be clearly established. Equitable construction should not be
taken into account.
Courts should not strain words and find unnatural meaning to fill
loopholes.
If the provision can be interpreted in two ways, then the one favoring
the assessee must be taken into consideration.
In Saraswati Sugar mills v Haryana State Board, The Supreme Court
held that every Act of the parliament must be read according to the
strict natural construction of its words.
3. Clear Intention to impose or increase tax

The intention to impose or increase tax or duty must be clear and in
unambiguous language.
4. Prospective operation
The cardinal principle of tax laws is that the law to be applied to
assessee is the law in force in the assessment year unless otherwise
provided expressly or by necessary implication.
No retrospective effect to fiscal statute is possible unless the language
of the language of the statute is very clear and plain.
In Reliance Jute Industries Ltd v Commercial Tax officer, Fiscal Statute
are generally not retrospective otherwise expressly provide by
necessary implications.
5. Meaning in common parlance.

In finding out the meaning of a taxing statute, the meaning in common
usage, parlance special in commercial and trade circles must be
considered.
In Annapurna Biscuit Manufacturing Co. v Commissioner of Sales tax,
the Supreme Court held that statute imposing a tax should be

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construed in the way which they are understood in ordinary language

in the area in area in which the law is the force.
In Dunlop India Ltd V Union of India, the Supreme Court held “latex”
comes within the meaning of “rubber” for the purpose of tax.
Imposition of Tax by authority of law.

The taxes and assessment can only be imposed by an authority
established under a statute. The tax can be levied only by an Act of the
parliament.
In Atlas Cycles Industries Ltd v State of Haryana, the Supreme Court
held that notification imposing a tax cannot be deemed to be extended
to new areas in the municipality.
7. Machinery provision
Machinery provision means the procedure foe calculation and
collection of tax. The person who claims an exemption has to establish
it.
In National Tag Traders v Commissioner of Income Tax, the Supreme
Court held that a fiscal statute must be construed strictly.
8. No presumption as to tax
As regards to imposition of tax, no presumption exists. It cannot be
drawn by implication or analogical extensions. The presumption for
equality and against partiality of taxation exists.
In Mohammed Ali Khan v Commissioner of Wealth Tax, it was held that
no tax can be imposed by inference, analogy or probing into the
intention of the legislature.
9. Fiscal statute to be read as a whole.

The entire provisions of a fiscal statute has to be read as a whole and
not in piecemeal to find out the intent of the legislature.

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In Grasian Industries Limited v State of Madhya Pradesh, the Supreme

Court held that any exemption notification in a fiscal statute must be
read in its entirety and not in parties to find out the meaning.
9. No spirit of law.
A person is no liable to tax on the spirit of law or logic or reason.
10.Substance of matter.
The tax authorities must consider the legal aspect of a particular
transaction for levy of tax. This is called ‘substance of the matter’.
Court fee Act

If the court fee is high, then it affects the right of the aggrieved person
to seek remedy. In interpreting the court fee Act, the benefit of doubt
always goes to the assessee.
Double taxation
In interpreting a fiscal statute, if one meaning gives rise to double
taxation and other meaning gives rise to single taxation, then the
interpretation must be in favour of single taxation.
Delayed payment of tax.
Interest is levied by tax authorities on delayed payment of tax. If
provision exists, such delayed payment is valid.
Penalty- no criminal Act
The penalty provision cannot be equated with a criminal statute as a
criminal act requires mens rea.
In short the general rule of construction is that in case of doubt, it is

decided in favour of the tax payer even if such a decision is
detrimental to the government.

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CHAPTER 5
INTERPRETATION OF THE CONSTITUTION
Q: Enumerate the various principles applied by the judiciary while
interpreting the constitution.
Introduction
The constitution is an organic instrument. It is the fundamental law.
The general rule adopted for construing a written constitution is the
same as for construing any other statute. The constitution should be
interpreted so as to give effect to all its parts.
There are basically three types of interpretation of the constitution.

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1. Historical interpretation
Ambiguities and uncertainties while interpreting the constitutional
provisions can be clarified by referring to earlier interpretative
decisions.
2. Contemporary interpretation.
The constitution must be interpreted in the light of the present
scenario. The situation and circumstances prevalent today must be
considered.
Harmonious Construction.
The Supreme Court held in Re Kerala Education Bill that in deciding the
fundamental rights, the court must consider the directive principles
and adopt the principle of harmonious construction so two possibilities
are given effect as much as possible by striking a balance.
In Qureshi v State of Bihar, The Supreme Court held that while the
state should implement the directive principles, it should be done in
such a way so as not to violate the fundamental rights.
In Shajahan v Mrs. Kamala Narayana, the Supreme Court held that
harmonious interpretation of the legislation is justified if it makes
effective use of any other provision in the same or another enactment.
In Bhatia International v Bulk Trading SA, it was held that if more than
one interpretation is possible for a statute, then the court has to
choose the interpretation which depicts the intention of the legislature.
Interpretation of the preamble of the constitution.

The preamble cannot override the provisions of the constitution.
In Re Berubari, the Supreme Court held that the Preamble was not a
part of the constitution and therefore it could not be regarded as a
source of any substantive power.

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In Keshavananda Bharathi’s case, the Supreme Court rejected the

above view and held the preamble to be a part of the constitution. The
constitution must be read in the light of the preamble. The preamble
could be used for the amendment power of the parliament under Art.
368 but basic elements cannot be amended.
The 42nd Amendment has inserted the words “Secularism, Socialism
and Integrity” in the preamble.
General rules of interpretation of the constitution
1. If the words are clear and unambiguous, they must be given full
effect.
2. The constitution must be read as a whole.
3. Principles of Harmonious construction must be applied.
4. The constitution must be interpreted in a broad and liberal sense.
The court has to infer the spirit of the constitution from the
language.
6. Internal and External aids may be used while interpreting.
7. The Constitution prevails over other statutes.
CHAPTER 6
LEGAL FICTION
Introduction
Legal fiction is defined as:-
1. A legal assumption that a thing is true which is either not true, or
which is probably false.
2. An assumption of law that something which is false is true.
3. A state of facts exists which has never really existed.
A legal fiction is a devise by which the law deliberately departs from
the truth of things for some reason. E.g. A foreigner was treated to
be a Roman citizen for the purpose of jurisdiction.
Legal fiction is treated in the provisions of an enactment by using
the term “is deemed”.

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The deeming provision is for the purpose of assuming the existence

of fact does not really exist.
In New India Assurance Co. Ltd v Complete Insulation Pvt Ltd, the
Supreme Court held that legal fiction created under S.157 of the
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the transfer of 3rd party insurance is
deemed to have effect from buyer to seller.
In Bengal Immunity Co Ltd v State of Bihar, The Supreme Court that

the legal fiction should not be extended beyond its legitimate limits.
In Pandurang Vinayak v State of Bombay, the Supreme Court held
that for the purpose of legal fiction, the word “ordinance’ is to be
read as ‘enactment’.
In Bombay corporation v CIT Bombay, S 43 of the Income Tax Act
provided that under certain circumstances, an agent is for all the
purpose of this Act, deemed to be an agent of a non-resident
person. Such agent is deemed to be an assessee.
In Avatar Singh v State of Punjab, it was held that rules framed in
contravention of the Electricity Act, 1910 are separate and hence
theft of electricity is not an offence under the IPC.
Legal fiction is an important subsidiary rule of interpretation of

Statute. It is useful in deciding case where certain things are
presumed to exist in fact of their non-existences.
.

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CHAPTER 7
STATUTES AFFECTING THE CROWN OF THE STATE
Introduction
The general English rule is that the “king is above the law’ and all
statutes are meant for subject only and the crown is not bound by
them. The statutes neither control the crown nor the rights or
properties of the crown, unless expressly or by necessity or by
implication is named so in the statute.
This presumption extends not only to the crown but also to the Crown’s
servants. The basis of this rule is to present an efficient and effective
functioning of the ruler and his government for the welfare of the
people.
Extent of Application
a. Sovereign
b. Sovereign’s servants or agents.
c. Person’s considered to be consimili casu.

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d. Officers of the State with ministerial status.

Illustrations where statutes are not binding on the state
a. Land Transfer Act, 1897.
b. Locomotives Act, 1865.
c. Property Occupied by the servants of the Crown exclusive for the
crown.
d. The rule of Common wealth of nations reads that “the executive
Government of the State is not bound by a statute unless that
intention is apparent.
e. The custodian of enemy property being a Crown, the servant is
not liable to tax.
f. The Statutes regarding limitation were formerly held not to bind
the crown.
g. It is a prerogative of the Crown not to pay tolls, rates or other
burdens in respect of the properties owned in his name.
In Rudler v Franks, the court held that the crown is not bound by Rent
Restriction Acts under Order in town and Country Planning Act, 1957.
The Crown is not bound to get planning permission in its own interest.
In Cooper v Hawkins, a army driver drove a vehicle on the crown’s
service at a speed exceeding the limit. He was not liable for the breach
of the speed limit in the absence of express words in the statute that
the Act binds the Crown.
Illustrations of statutes that are binding on the crown
Certain Statutes bins the Crown. E.g. Statutes for the advancement of
religion or learning, the statutes for the maintenance of the poor,
statutes for the suppression of wrong and statutes to perform the will
of the testator or donor.
If an Act is made for public good, then the crown is bound by such an
Act.

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The crown is not excluded from the operation of a statute even if the
statute includes his prerogative or rights and if the statute expressly
includes the crown or the intention to include him is clear.
In V.S Rice an oil Mills v State of MP, the Supreme Court held that the
state is not bound by a statute unless expressly named therein or
included by necessary implications, is applicable to Indian ruler also.
Cases
Kasthuri lal v State of UP
Vidyavathi v State of Rajasthan
The applicability of a statute to the crown was operative in ancient
days where monarchy was in practice. But now, in democracies this
concept does not apply.

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CHAPTER 8
EXTERNAL AID TO INTERPRETATION
Introduction
Other than the internal aid to interpretation which are part of a statute
itself there are other aids which are not part of the statute. These are
known as external aid to interpretation. The court can consider
recourse outside the Act such as historical settings, objects and
reasons, bills, debates, text books, dictionaries etc.
Recourse to external aid is justified only to well-recognized limits.
External aids
1. Historical settings
The surrounding circumstances and situations which led to the passing
of the Act can be considered for the purpose of construing a statute.
Objects and reason.

The statements and object cannot be used as an aid to construction.
The statements of object and reason are not only admissible as an aid
to construction of a statute.
Objects and reasons of a statute is to be looked into as an extrinsic aid
to find out the legislative intent, only when the language is obscure or
ambiguous.
Text books and dictionaries.

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The use of dictionaries is limited to circumstances where the judges

and Counsels use different words.
In such cases the court may make use of standard authors and well
known authoritative dictionaries. Text books may also be refereed to
for assistance in finding out the true construction of a statute.
International Conventions.
International conventions are generally not resorted to for the purpose
of interpretation, but it helps as an external aid for the purpose of
resolving ambiguities in the language.
5. Government publications
They are:-
A) Reports of commissioner or committee
B) Other documents.
Only if the above documents are expressly referred to in the statute,
they can be looked at for the purpose of construction.
6. Bill
Only when the language is ambiguous, bills can be referred.
7. Select Committee Report
To ascertain the legislative intent of a doubtful meaning of a statute,
report of legislative committee of the proposed law can be referred.
The report of the Select committee can be looked into from an
historical angle to find out what was the previous law, before and at
the time of enacting the statute.
8. Debate and proceedings of the legislature.
A speech made in the course of a debate on a bill could be referred to
find out the intent of the speaker. Speeches made in the parliament
can also be referred.
9. State of things at the time of passing of the bill
10. History of legislation

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The history of legislation usually denotes the course of events which

gibe rise to enactments. The court may refer historical facts if it is
necessary to understand the subject matter.
11.Extemporaneous exposition
In interpreting old statutes, the construction by the judges who lived at
the time of the enactment could be referred as 9it is best to
understand the intentions of the makers of the statute.
12. Judicial interpretation of words
It is an accepted principle of law that if a word has received clear
judicial interpretation, then the word is interpreted according to the
judicial meaning.
E.g. Rule in Ryland v Fletcher, absolute liability has become a fixed and
standing rule.
If definition is not given, popular meaning must be construed.
13.Analogy and legal fiction
Analogy means governed by the same general principle.
14.Previous English law
It is not legal and correct to apply decisions of English acts to the
construction of an Indian statute.
Others external aids include interpretation by the executive, foreign

decisions which include policy of the legislature and government
policy, purpose of the Act conventions and practices.
Spirit and reason of law.

The purpose of a statute is the reason of enactment, but the spirit
or reason of law is connected with the legislative intent.
Acts in Pari material

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When a statute is ambiguous, the intention of the legislature may

be gathered from statutes relating to same subject. The definitions
cannot be generally imported.
Other external aids include interpretation of later Acts with the help
of earlier Acts and words and expressions used in different Act.

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CHAPTER 9
BENIFICIAL CONSTRUCTION
Introduction
Beneficial construction is also known as liberal construction. It means
interpretation of a statute in the widest possible meaning of the
language permitted. The mischief in the language is remedied by
liberal and beneficial construction. Beneficial construction is an
interpretation to secure remedy to the victim who is unjustly denied of
relief. Such beneficial construction is mainly applicable in social welfare
and labour legislations.
Beneficial construction
a. Wider Meaning
In Beneficial construction, wider meaning is given instead of the usual
and natural meaning of the language of the statute. Such wider
meaning helps the victim secure relief unjustly denied to him.
In Forsdike v Colquhoun, the court held that if an enactment requires
that public houses are to be closed at certain hours on Sundays then it
means that it does not include Christmas days. Here beneficial
construction is to be given to exempt Christmas from Sundays so that
on Christmas day public houses need not be closed.
In Re Hale, the words ´soldier being in actual military service” was held
to include a territorial officer who has received orders to join his unit”.
Statutes granting power are sometimes broadly interpreted.
In M/s Ethiopian Airlines v M/s STIC Travels Pvt Ltd, the Supreme court
held that the object of beneficial legislation, in case of ambiguities, is
resolved by granting rather than denying the benefit.

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In Steel Authority of India v National Union Water Front Workers, the

rule of literal interpretation is to be given a go by, only when provisions
are vague or obscurely worded.
b. Suppression of mischief
The duty of the judge is to make construction of a statute so as to
suppress the mischief and advance the remedy.
In John Calder ( Publications) Ltd v Powell, By Sec1 (1) of the obscene
publications Act,1959, the court gave a wide interpretation to the term
“ depravity” and “ corruption” not merely confining them to sexual
matters but to other matters too.
c. Industrial legislation
In Industrial legislations, the application of beneficial construction is
more witnessed.
d. Jurisdictional/ procedural requirements
Provisions relating to procedural requirements namely “giving of
notice” often receive beneficial construction. Statute relating to the
jurisdiction or procedure of the court has received beneficial
construction.
e. Genus includes Species
The language of the statute is generally extended to new things which
could not have been known at the time of enactment. If the Act deals
with ‘genus’, ‘species” is also included.
E.g. ‘Bicycles were considered to be carriages under the highway Act,
1835.
f. De minmus non curat lex

The law does not concern itself with trifles or negligible things or acts.
While interpreting trivial acts are ignored. The objectives which the
legislature is presumed not to intend must be avoided.

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E.g. “To break from prison” would not apply to a prisoner who broke out
of prison while it was on fire to save his life.
Beneficial construction or liberal construction has been receiving more

attention as most of the legislations are social welfare legislations and
hence rules of beneficial interpretation has become an important
branch of study.
CHAPTER 10
PRESUMPTIONS AFFECTING JURISDICTION OF THE COURT

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Introduction
The general presumption is that ordinary courts of law namely the civil
courts, criminal courts, high courts and Supreme Court have
jurisdiction over people. Any statute which takes away the jurisdiction
of ordinary courts must be rarely resorted to, as people have the right
to have free access to all the courts.
Jurisdiction of civil courts

The basic presumption of law is that all civil courts are empowered to
decide all suits of civil nature. The basis of this presumption is that civil
and criminal court have general jurisdiction over people and they have
right to have free access to both civil and criminal court.
Section 9 of CPC
It was emphasized by the Supreme Court that the rule prescribed by
section 9 of CPC is that the court shall, subject to provisions contained
in the code, have jurisdiction to try al suits of civil nature excepting
suits in which their cognizance is either expressly or impliedly barred.
The law further presumes that a remedy in the ordinary civil courts
must always be available to citizens.
Legal provisions excluding jurisdiction of civil courts and conferring
jurisdiction to tribunals must strictly interpreted in such a way that as
far as possible, the jurisdiction of civil court are not taken away. If the
statute contains two interpretations, then the one conferring
jurisdiction will prevail.
Exclusion of jurisdiction must be expressed or clearly implied. Not
possible to curtail jurisdiction of High Court and Supreme Court except
by an amendment to the relevant provisions in the constitution.
Jurisdiction of other courts

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The general presumption is that a statute should not be given such an

interpretation as to take away the jurisdiction of the court unless the
language of the statute is unambiguous and clear.
Since jurisdiction has been given to court by legislation, it is the
legislation alone which can take away the jurisdiction.
If any statute provides for an express bar of jurisdiction of a civil or
other court, then the scheme of the particular Act must provide
adequate alternative remedies.
If the constitutionality of any provision is to be challenged, the writ of
certiorari is the only recourse.
There is no sympathy for legislative provisions which oust jurisdiction
of courts, because of the fact that the subjects are deprived of a
remedy. If jurisdiction is conferred to a tribunal, the intention of the
parliament is presumed to have jurisdiction to correct the decision of
inferior tribunal.
Finality clause
Many modern statutes contain provisions which attempt to take away
the jurisdiction of courts by making the decision of the tribunal final or
conclusive.
The remedy by certiorari is never to be taken away by any statute
except by the most explicit and clear words.
The word final means without an appeal. It does not mean without
recourse to the writ of certiorari. It makes the decision final on fact but
not on law.
In Dhulabhai v State of MP, the Supreme court held that if a statute
gives finality to the orders of a special tribunal, the jurisdiction of civil
court must be held to excluded only if there is an adequate alternate
remedy similar to what civil remedy would be.

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In R v Medical Appeal Tribunal, Lord Denning said the word ‘final’ only
means’ without appeal’ and the remedy of certiorari cannot be taken
away because it is not an appeal.
Creating new and enlarging existing jurisdiction

It is presumed that a statute does not create new jurisdiction or
enlarge existing jurisdiction. Express language is required if an Act is to
be so interpreted, as to create new jurisdiction or enlarge existing
jurisdiction.
In Heathstar properties Ltd, A statute giving power to grant relief ‘on
being satisfied’ on certain facts, does not confer on it any power to
grant interim relief until such fact had been fully ascertained.
In State of UP v Mohammed Nooh, Ina departmental enquiry against
the constable, the person holding the trial offered to be a witness and
prosecuted the constable. There was a gross violation of the principles
of natural justice. The court held that it can issue a certiorari.
CHAPTER 11
RETROSPECTIVE OPERATION OF STATUS
A. Introduction:

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Statutes are either prospective or both prospective and

retrospective from the point of its applicability i.e. the period of legal
effect of statutes.
All statutes in general have only prospective effect. It means
applicability to future transactions.
But certain statutes have to be sometimes both prospective and
retrospective. ‘Retrospective’ means the statute would apply and affect
past transaction also.
Two terms
a. Commencement
The term ‘commencement’ is used with reference to an Act, the
day on which the Act comes into force. If not provided, a Central
Act comes into force on the day it receives Presidential assent.
b. Retrospective
Retrospective statute contemplates the past and gives effect to
previous transactions.
There must be words in a statute sufficient to show that the
intention of the legislature is to give the rule or the law the
Retrospective effect.
B. General Statute
Every statute is prima facie prospective, unless it is expressed or
implied. If the object of the statute is to affect vested rights or to
impose mew burdens or to impair existing obligations, then there must
be words in the statute sufficient to show the intention of the
legislature.
A statute can be given retrospective effect, only if the statute so
directs either expressly or by necessary implications. It is a
fundamental rule of the law that no statute shall be construed to have
retrospective operation unless such construction appears very clearly
in terms of the Act, or arises by necessary or distinct implication.
Conditions for giving retrospective effect

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Minute attention must be given to the language of the statutory

provision for determining the scope of the retrospection as intended by
the Parliament.
The language used in a statute is the most important factor to be
considered.
C. Amending statute
An amendment of a substantive law is not retrospective unless
laid down or necessarily implied. A vested right cannot be taken away
by amending Act except by express language or by necessary
intendment.
D. Declaratory statute
A declaratory Act is defined as an Act to remove doubts existing as to
the common law, or the meaning or the effect of any statute.
The usual reason for the passing a declaratory act is to set aside what
Parliament has considered a judicial error, whether in the statement of
the common law or the interpretation of the statute.
The presumption against retrospective operation is not applicable to
the declaratory statutes. A declaratory act is an act to remove doubts
existing to common law and thus declaratory acts are usually held
retrospective.
E. Pending Actions
In the pending suits or actions, the law is that the rights of the parties
are decided as per the law as it existed when the action was
commenced. If however the Act provides the retrospective operation of
a statute, it would be construed accordingly even though the
consequences are unjust and hard
IN Smith’s Vs National Association of Operative Plasterers.
S4 of the trade dispute act,1906 enacted that ‘ an action for tort
against a trade union shall not be entertained by any court’. It was

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held not to affect decisions of an action commenced before passing of

the act.
F. Doctrines of prospective overruling

Rule in I.C Golaknath Vs State of Punjab
The doctrine of prospective overruling is a modern doctrine suitable for
a fast moving society. It does not affect the past but restricts its scope
for the future.
Under this doctrine, the court declares what the law is but does not
give retrospectivity. It reconciles the two conflicting doctrines, namely,
the Court finds law and that it makes a law for the future by bringing
about a smooth transition by correcting the errors in the law without
disturbing the impact of errors on the past transactions. In other words,
the law for the future corrected and the past transaction as per the
law, though invalid, are held valid.
The doctrine of prospective overruling can be invoked only regarding
constitutional matters. It can be applied only by the Supreme Court.
G. De Facto Acts
The acts performed by the officers de facto within their assumed
official authority, provided such acts are performed in the interest of
the public or the third party and not for their own benefits, are
generally held as valid and binding, as if they were acts of officers’ de
jure.
H. General Act and Special Act.

The general rule is that special Acts prevails over the general act in the
case of inconsistency. A general act cannot repeal a special act. A
Special Act, though earlier in time, deals with special objects and
general law even if enacted later cannot repeal it.
Food inspector Vs Suivert and Dholakia Pvt ltd.

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If there is a general law and a special law relating to a particular

subjects, the general law must be so applied as to not to affect the
special provision. Only if the intention to abrogate the special law can
be spelled out, the general law shall prevail.
I.
Statutes dealing with merely matters of procedure are presumed to be
retrospective unless otherwise interrupted.
J. Statutes Regulating Succession

Statutes enacted for regulating succession are not applicable to
already open succession. Such laws have only prospective effect. It is
the same regarding statutes regulating transfers and contracts.
Fiscal and Penal Statutes are prospective Statutes regulating appeals
and finality of orders are also prospective.
CHAPTER 12
MANDATORY AND DIRECTORY STATUTES
• This chapter is in the form of a lecture.
Whether an enactment is mandatory or directory depends on the
scope and the object of the statute. Where the enactment demands

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the performance of certain provision without any option or discretion it

will be called peremptory or mandatory.
On the other hand if the acting authority is vested with discretion,
choice or judgment the enactment is directory.
In deciding whether the provision is directory or mandatory, one has to
ascertain whether the power is coupled with a duty of the person to
whom it is given to exercise it. If so, then it is imperative.
Generally the intention of the legislature is expressed by mandatory
and directory verbs such as ‘may’, ‘shall’ and ‘must’.
However, sometimes the legislature uses such words interchangeably.
In such cases, the interpreter of the law has to consider the intention of
the legislature.
If two interpretations are possible then the one which preserves the
constitutionality of the particular statutory provisions should be
adopted and the one which renders it unconstitutional and void should
be rejected.
Non-compliance of mandatory provisions has penal consequences
where as non-compliance of directory provisions would not furnish any
cause of action or ground of challenge.
Distinction
It is one of the rules of construction that a provision is not mandatory
unless non-compliance with it is made penal (Jagannath v Jaswant
singh). Mandatory provisions should be fulfilled and obeyed exactly,
whereas in case of provisions of directory enactments substantial
compliance is satisfiable.
Test for determining whether a provision in a statute is directory or
mandatory.
Lord Campbell observed that there can be no universal applications as
to when a statutory provisions be regarded as merely directory and
when mandatory.

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Maxwell says “that it is impossible to lay down any general rule for
determining whether a provision is mandatory or directory’. The
supreme court of India is stressing time and again that the question
whether a statute is mandatory or directory, is not capable of
generalization and that in each case the court should try and get at the
real intention of the legislature by analyzing the entire provisions of the
enactment and the scheme underlying it. In other words it depends on
the intent of the legislature and not upon the language in which the
intent is clothed.
The intent of the legislature must be ascertained not only from the
phraseology of the provision, but also from its nature, design and
consequences which would follow from construing it in one form or
another.
‘May’, ‘shall’ and ‘must’.
The words ‘may’, ‘shall’ and ‘must’ should initially be deemed to have
been used in their natural and ordinary sense. May signifies permission
and implies that the authority has been allowed discretion. In state of
UP v Jogendra Singh, the Supreme Court observed that ‘there is no
doubt that the word ‘may’ generally does not mean ‘must’ or ‘shall’.
But it is well settled that the word ‘may’ is capable of meaning ‘must’
or ‘shall’ in the light of context. It is also clear that when a discretion is
conferred upon a public authority coupled with an obligation, the word
‘may’ should be construed to mean a command ( Smt. Sudir Bala Roy v
West Bengal).
“May” will have compulsory force if a requisite condition has to be
filled. Cotton L.J observed that ‘May” can never mean “must” but when
any authority or body has a power to it by the word ‘May’ it becomes
its duty to exercise that power.
‘Shall’- in the normal sense imports command. It is well settled that the
use of the word ‘shall’ does not always mean that the enactment is
obligatory or mandatory. It depends upon the context in which the

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word ‘shall’ occurs and the other circumstances. Unless an

interpretation leads to some absurd or inconvenient consequences or
contradicts with the intent of the legislature the court shall interpret
the word ‘shall’ in mandatory sense.
Must- is doubtlessly a word of command.
Specific Terminologies
99% of negative terms are mandatory; affirmative terms are mostly
mandatory where guiding principle for vesting of powers depends on
context.
In procedural statutes both negative and affirmative are mandatory.
Aids to construction for determination of the character of words can be
used.
Time fixation
If time fixation is provided to the executive, it is supposed to be
permissive with regard to the issue of time only. However, provisions
regarding time may be considered mandatory if the intention of the
legislature appears to impose literal compliance with the requirement
of time.
Statutes regulating tax and election proceeding are generally
considered permissive. However the Supreme Court held in Manila
mohan lal v Syed Ahamed, whenever a statute requires a particular act
to be done in a particular manner and also lays down that failure to
comply will have consequence. It would be difficult to accept the
argument that the failure to comply with the required said requirement
should lead to any other consequence.

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CHAPTER 13
INTERPRETATION OF PENAL STATUTES
General principle
The rule that a statute enacting an offence or imposing a penalty in
strictly construed is now only of limited application and it serves in the
selection of one when two or more construction are reasonably open.
The rule was originally evolved to mitigate the rigor of monstrous
sentences for trivial offences and although that necessity has now

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almost vanished, the difference in approach made to a penal statute as

against any other statute stick persists.
According to Lord Esher, the settled rule of construction of penal
section is that ‘if there is reasonable interpretation which will avoid the
penalty in any particular case we must adopt that construction. If there
are two reasonable constructions can be put upon a penal provision,
the court must lean toward that construction which exempts the
subject from the penalty rather than the one which imposes penalty.
There are two elements of crime; the Actus Reus and the mens rea.
In Noakes v Dancaster Amalgamated collieries ltd, Maxwell cited that
where to apply words literally would defeat the obvious intention of the
legislation and produce a wholly unreasonable result. Then the court
must do some violence to the words and so achieve that obvious
intention and produce a rational construction.
But the full bench rejected the argument of futility based on Noakes V
Dancaster amalgamated colliery ltd in tolaram’s case. On appeal the
Supreme Court held that ‘court is not competent to stretch the
meaning of the expression used by the legislature in order to carry out
the intention of the legislature’- Mahajan.J .
Even if one were to disregard the rule of construction based on futilities
the only reasonable way of construction is provided by ensuring that
the language is not stretched and rule of strict construction is not
violated.
In M.V.Joshi v M.V Shimpi, it was held that “it is now well settled that in
the absence of clear compelling language, the provision should not be
given a wider interpretation”.
A penal statute must be construed according to its plain, natural and
grammatical meaning. (R v Hunt 1987)
In deciding the essential ingredients of the offence, substance and
reality of the language and not its form will be important. When the

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intention is not clearly indicated by linguistic construction then regard

must be given to the mischief at which the act is aimed.
Rule of construction in penal statutes does not prevent the court from
interpreting a statute according to its current meaning and applying
the language to cover developments in science and technology not
known at the time of passing the statute.
In R v Ireland (1987), Psychiatric injury caused by silent telephone calls
was held to amount to assault and bodily harm under the person Act,
1861 in the light of the current scientific appreciation of the link
between the body and psychiatric injury.
In applying and interpreting a penal statute, public policy is also taken
into consideration. In R v Brown, the House of Lords held that
consensual sadomasochistic homosexual encounters which occasioned
actual bodily harm to the victim were assaults.
Following are some of the propositions important in relation to strict
construction of penal statutes.
if the scope of prohibitory words cover only some class of
persons or some well defined activity, their scope cannot be
extended to cover more on consideration of policy or object if the
statute.
Prohibitory words can be widely construed only if indicated in
the statute. On the other hand if after full consideration no
indication is found the benefit of construction will be given to the
subject.
3. If the prohibitory words in their own signification bear wider
meaning which also fits in with the object or policy of the statute.
Mens rea in statutory offences.

This principle is expressed in the maxim “ Actus non facit reum nisi
mens sit rea” which means that the existence of a guilty intent is an
essential ingredient of a crime at common law.

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Mens Rea is the state of mind stigmatized as wrongful by the criminal

law.
Crimes involving mens rea are of two types.
a. crimes of basic intent ( does not go beyond Actus Reus)
Crimes of specific intent (foresight of its consequence and has a
purposive element).
Words such as ‘voluntarily’, ‘knowingly’, dishonestly’,
‘fraudulently’ are used to signify the state of mind.]
The modern tendency is in favour of the view that principles of

construction do not vary with statutes.
The juristic parlance today uses the expression that a proper
construction should be made whether the statute is penal or fiscal.
Normally the words used in the statute are to be construed in their
ordinary meaning. However such approach always does not meet the
ends of fair and a reasonable construction. Exclusive reliance on the
bare dictionary meaning of words may not provide proper construction.
That is why in deciding the true scope and effect of the relevant words
in any statutory provision as observed by Halsbury, the words should
be construed in the light of their context rather than what may be
either their strict etymological sense or their popular meaning apart
from the context.
Thus one has to analyze the different parts of a statute and consider
what effect they may have on interpretation.

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CHAPTER:14
THE GENERAL CLAUSES ACT, 1897
Q: Effect of repeal
A. Introduction
The general rule of construction is that when any Central Act is
not expressed to come into operation on a particular day, then it
shall come into operation on the day it receives presidential
Assent.

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B. Effect of repeal
According to the General Clauses act, 1897, when this act
or regulation made after the commencement of this act
repeals any enactments hitherto made or hereafter to be made,
then unless a different intention appears, the repeal shall not:-
a. revive anything not in force or existing at the time at which the
repeal takes effect
b. affect the previous operation of any enactment so repealed or
anything duly done or suffered there under
c. affect any rights, privilege, obligation or liability acquired or
incurred under any enactment so repealed
d. effect any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect
of any offence committed against any enactment so repealed
e. affect ant investigation, legal proceedings or remedy in
respect of any such right, privilege, obligation liability, penalty,
forfeiture, or punishment as foresaid; and such investigation,
legal proceeding, or remedy may be instituted, continued or
punishment may be imposed as if the repealing Act or
regulation had not been passed.
6.A Repeal of an act making textual amendment in act or regulation

Where any Central Act or regulation made after the
commencement of this Act repeals any enactment by which the text of
any central act or regulation was amended by the express omission,
insertion or substitution of any matter, then unless a different intention
appears the repeal shall not affect the continuance of any such
amendment.
Revival of repealed enactments

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In any central acts or regulation made after the commencement of this

act, it shall be necessary, for the purpose of reviving, either wholly or
partially repealed, expressly to state the purpose
CHAPTER:14
THE GENERAL CLAUSES ACT, 1897

Q: Effect of repeal
B. Introduction
The general rule of construction is that when any Central Act is
not expressed to come into operation on a particular day, then it
shall come into operation on the day it receives presidential
Assent.
B. Effect of repeal
According to the General Clauses act, 1897, when this act
or regulation made after the commencement of this act

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repeals any enactments hitherto made or hereafter to be made,

then unless a different intention appears, the repeal shall not:-
f. revive anything not in force or existing at the time at which the
repeal takes effect
g. affect the previous operation of any enactment so repealed or
anything duly done or suffered there under
h. affect any rights, privilege, obligation or liability acquired or
incurred under any enactment so repealed
i. effect any penalty, forfeiture or punishment incurred in respect
of any offence committed against any enactment so repealed
Affect an investigation, legal proceedings or remedy in respect
of any such right, privilege, obligation liability, penalty,
forfeiture, or punishment as foresaid; and such investigation,
legal proceeding, or remedy may be instituted, continued or
punishment may be imposed as if the repealing Act or
regulation had not been passed.
6.A Repeal of an act making textual amendment in act or regulation

Where any Central Act or regulation made after the
commencement of this Act repeals any enactment by which the text of
any central act or regulation was amended by the express omission,
insertion or substitution of any matter, then unless a different intention
appears the repeal shall not affect the continuance of any such
amendment.
Revival of repealed enactments

In any central acts or regulation made after the commencement of this
act, it shall be necessary, for the purpose of reviving, either wholly or
partially repealed, expressly to state the purpose

lOMoARcPSD|4177932
CHAPTER 15
Short Notes
1. BYE LAWS
2. CODIFYING STATUTE
3. CONSTRUCTION OFWORD IN BONAM PARTEM R V HULME
4. DEFINITION CLAUSE
• Restrictive
• Extensive
• Ambiguous
• Unambiguous
• Contrary context definition
4. DICTIONARIES
5. EQUITABLE CONSTRUCTION
6. LACHES- willful delay in ascertaining ones own rights
7. MORALITY
8. REGULATION
*read Constitutional Doctrines

Interpretation of Statutes Summary

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lOMoARcPSD|4177932

Interpretation Of Statutes - Summary - lectures 1 - 15

Interpretation of statues (University of Gujrat)

StuDocu is not sponsored or endorsed by any college or university

Subject: Interpretation of statutes

Semester: seventh semester

Compilation date: 22 November, 2005 to 5th December, 2005.

Author: J.Vasanth Adithya

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This is a compilation of notes and lectures on the subject titled

Suggestions and additions to the compilation are welcomed.

Wishing you all the best!

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1. General principles of interpretation.

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The term interpretation means “To give meaning to”. Governmental

The most common rule of interpretation is that every part of the

The object of interpretation of statutes is to determine the intention of

In Santi swarup Sarkar v pradeep kumar sarkar, the Supreme Court

There are generally two kind of interpretation; literal interpretation and

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In Ramanjaya Singh v Baijnath Singh, the Election tribunal set aside

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grammatical interpretation of S 123(7) and termed the excess

In Maqbool Hussain v State of Bombay, the appellant, a citizen of India,

In Madan mohan v K.Chandrashekara, it was held that when a statute

In Municipal board v State transport authority, Rajasthan, an

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Exceptions to the rule of literal interpretation

The mischief rule

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The following questions must b considered.

1. What was the common law before making the Act?

Rule of casus omissus

Rule of ejusdem generis

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The basic rule is that if the legislature intended general words to be

Every clause of a statute must be construed with reference to other

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In Manohar Lal v State of Punjab, Long title of the Act is relied as a

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7. Definition/ Interpretation clause

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15. Meaning of the words

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A Consolidating statute is a statute which collects the statutory

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A consolidating statute is not simply a compilation of different earlier

In Galloway v Galloway, it was argued as per a 26 (1) of the

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The interpretation was rejected by Lord Radcliff and gave a liberal

To conclude, the difference between a consolidating and codifying

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complete code on a particular subject by not only compilation but also

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2. Strict and favourable construction