Methods of Interpretation of Statutes
Dibrugarh University · LL.B. Semester 7 · B.A.,LL.B.: 7.6
Unit 1 — Introduction:
1.1 Meaning, Purpose and Scope of “Interpretation” and “Construction” · 1.2 Meaning and Classification of Statute · 1.3 Commencement, operation and repeal of statutes · 1.4 Basic sources of interpretation of statutes.
Unit 2 — Rules of Statutory Interpretation
2.1 Primary Rules 2.1.1 Literal rule 2.1.2 Golden rule 2.1.3 Mischief rule (rule in the Heydon’s case) 2.1.4 Harmonious Construction · 2.2 Subsidiary Rules 2.2.1 . Noscitur a sociis 2.2.2 Ejusdem generis 2.2.3 Reddendo singular singulis
Unit 3 — Aids to Interpretation
3.1 Internal aids 3.1.1 Titles (Short title, long title) 3.1.2 Preamble 3.1.3 Headings and marginal notes. 3.1.4 Sections and sub-sections, schedules Illustrations, exceptions, provisos, explanations, schedules 3.1.5 ,Punctuation marks, Non-obstante clause and saving clauses. · 3.2 External aids 3.2.1 Dictionaries Constituent Assembly debates, Parliamentary History, 3.2.2 legislative debates. 3.2.3 International Conventions. Reference of other statutes( earlier statute, later statute and 3.2.4 statutes in pari materia .) 3.2.5 Foreign Judgments. 3.2.6 Staredecisis Subsequent social, political and Economic development and 3.2.7 scientific inventions. 3.2.8 Reports of Law Commission
- 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 4 — Interpretation of Constitutional Provisions, Construction of Penal Statutes, Taxing Statutes and Construction of Beneficial Legislations 16
4.1 Basic principles for interpretation of constitutional provisions 4.1.1 Doctrine of Colorable Legislation 4.1.2 Doctrine of Residuary power 4.1.3 Doctrine of Territorial nexus 4.1.4 Doctrine of Repugnancy 4.1.5 Pith and Substances · 4.2 Construction of Penal statutes. · 4.3 Construction of Taxing statutes Construction of Beneficial legislations · 4.4
Unit 5 — Maxims of Statutory Interpretation
5.1 Delegatus non potestdelegare · 5.2 Expressio unius exclusion alterius · 5.3 Generalia specialibus non derogant · 5.4 In pari delicto potior est condition possidentis · 5.5 Utres valet potior quam pareat · 5.6 Expressum facit cessare tacitum · 5.7 In Bonam partem 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. SmtiCharuDeka v. UmeswariNath& other AIR 1995 Gau 9. 4. P. RamachandraRao 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. ShashiKantLaxman Kale v. Union of India, AIR 1990 SC 2114 1990) 4 SCC 366 10.Novopan India Ltd Vs Collector of Central Excise & Customs, 1994 Supp(3) SCC 608 11. Tata Iron & Steel Corporation Ltd. Vs State of Jharkhand (2005)4 SCC 272 Prescribed Legislation: The General Clauses Act, 1897