Interpretations of Statutes

Unit I

Meaning and object of interpretation; interpretation and construction. · Basic principles of interpretation; statute to be read as a whole; statute be construed to make it effective and workable; inconsistency to be avoided, Harmonious construction. · Rules of Interpretation: literal rule, golden rule and mischiefrule.

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

Unit II

Rules relating to construction of certain words: nosciturAsociies; ejusdem generis; ReddendoSingulaSingulis; ExpressioUniusestexclucioalterius. · Non-obstante clause; Mandatory and directory provisions. · Commencement, expiry and repeal of statutes.

• Rules of interpretation of Statutes — Literal, Mischief and Golden rule of interpretation
• Commencement of Statutes — Prospective application, Retrospective effect, Repeal of Statutes, Provisions dealing with repeal under the General Clauses Act

Unit III

Internal aids to construction- Title, Preamble, Headings, Marginal Note, Illustrations, Punctuations, Proviso, Definition Clause, Explanations, Schedules and Punctuation. · External aids to construction- Dictionaries, Textbooks, Historical facts and surrounding circumstances, Legislative or Parliamentary History, Foreign Judgments and Foreign Statutes etc.

• 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

Remedial and Penal Statutes. · Mensrea in statutory offences. · Construction of taxing statutes and its limitations. · Principles of Constitutional Interpretation