Interpretation of Statutes

Cochin University of Science and Technology · LL.B. Semester 4 · 20-271-0405

Unit I — Introduction

Meaning of Interpretation · Need for Interpretation · Act · Enactment · Statutes · Ordinances · Rules, etc.

Statutes (Enactments) — Meaning and Classification

Unit II — Internal Aids to Interpretation

Title · Preamble · Heading · Marginal Note · Section · Sub-section · Punctuation · Illustration · Exception · Proviso · Explanation · Saving Clause · Schedule

Legislative Material — Internal Aids — Parts of a statute and their function in interpretation of a statute — Short and long titles, preamble, schedules, marginal headings, parts, and their captions, chapters and their

Unit III — External Aids to Interpretation

Constituent Assembly Debates for Constitutional Interpretation · Constitution of India · Legislative History: Legislative Intention · Statement of Objects and Reasons · Legislative Debates · Committee Reports, Law Commission Reports

Legislative Material — Internal Aids — Parts of a statute and their function in interpretation of a statute — Short and long titles, preamble, schedules, marginal headings, parts, and their captions, chapters and their

Unit IV — Rules of Interpretation

Literal Rule · Golden Rule · Mischief Rule · Legal Fiction · Ejusdem generis · Noscitur a sociis · Reddendo singula singulis · Generalia specialibus non derogant

Rules of interpretation of Statutes — Literal, Mischief and Golden rule of interpretation

Unit V — Legislative Interpretations

Presumptions and Assumptions · Jurisdiction · repealing · Constitutionality of statutes · retrospective operation · Equitable construction · strict construction of penal laws · mandatory and directory provisions · Construction of words · maxims.