Methods of Interpretation of Statutes
Dibrugarh University · LL.B. Semester 5 · B.A.,LL.B.: 5.5
Unit 1 — Interpretation of Statutes
1.1 Meaning and Objects of ‘interpretation’, ‘construction’ and ‘statute’ · 1.2 Interpretation of Statutes and Constitution · 1.3 Nature and Kinds of Indian Laws: Article 13 of Constitution of India · 1.4 Reasons of Commencement, operation and repeal of statutes · 1.5 Purpose of interpretation of statutes. 1.4.1 Basic Sources of Statutory Interpretation (i) Article 367 of Constitution of India , The General Clauses Act, 1897: Assam General Clauses Act ,1915 · 1.5 Mimansa Principles of Interpretation
Unit 2 — Aids to Interpretation
2.1 Aids to Interpretation (Parts of the statute and their interpretative role) 2.1.1 Internal aids 2.1.2 Title 2.1.3 Preamble 2.1.4 Extent and Applicability clause, Headings and marginal notes. 2.1.5 Sections and sub-sections 2.1.6 Punctuation marks. 2.1.7 Illustrations, exceptions, provisos, saving clauses, explanations and schedules 2.1.8 Non-obstante clause · 2.2 External aids 2.2.1 Role of Constituent Assembly debates in the interpretation of the Constitution of India 2.2.2 Legislative history- Legislative Intention, Statement of objects and reasons, legislative debates, Committee reports, Law Commission reports etc. 2.2.3 Dictionaries-Translations 2.2.4 Statutes in pari material 2.2.5 Judicial Interpretation
- 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
- Judicial material — Ratio and guidelines of courts in the following cases, minority, and majority judgements
Unit 3 — Rules of Statutory Interpretation
3.1 Primary Rules · 3.2 Literal rule · 3.3 Golden rule · 3.4 Mischief rule (rule in the Heydon’s case) · 3.5 Rule of harmonious construction · 3.6 Secondary Rules 3.6.1. Noscitur a sociis ( Associated words ) 3.6.2. Ejusdem generis 3.6.3. Reddendo singula singulis
Unit 4 — Maxims of Statutory Interpretation with the help of Judicial Pronouncements
4.1 Delegatus non potest delegare · 4.2 Expressio unius exclusio alterius · 4.3 Generalia specialibus non derogant · 4.4 In pari delicto potior est conditio possidentis · 4.5 Utres valet potior quam pareat
Unit 5 — Interpretation with reference to subject matter and purpose
5.1 Taxing Statute · 5.2 Penal Statute · 5.3 Welfare legislation · 5.4 Colourable legislation · 5.5 Residuary power · 5.6 Doctrine of repugnancy · 5.7 Doctrine of Pith & Substance Referred Cases 1. Girija K. Phukan v. State of Assam 1984 (2) LR 488 2. Bengal Iemunity Co. Ltd. V. State of Bihar 1955 2 SCR 603 3. Smti Charu Deka v. Umeswari Nath & other AIR 1995 Gau 9. 4. P. Ramachandra Rao v. State of Karnataka (2002) 4 SCC 578 5. Bhatia International v. Bulk Trading S.A. (2002) 4 SCC 105 6. R.M.D.C. v. Union of India, AIR 1957 SC 628 7. Avtar Singh v. State of Punjab, AIR 1955 SC 1107 8. A.S. Sulochana v. C. Dharmalingam, AIR 1987 SC 242 9. ShashiKant Laxman Kale v. Union of India, AIR 1990 SC 2114 1990) 4 SCC Prescribed Legislation: The General Clauses Act, 1897