Interpretation of Statutes and Principles of Legislation
University of Kerala · LL.B. Semester 3 · Paper I
Unit I
Interpretation of Statutes · Meaning, Objects and Scope of ‘interpretation’ and ‘construction’ of statute · Nature and Kinds of statues · Judge as an interpreter · Commencement · operation and repeal of statutes · Basic Sources of Statutory Interpretation · The General Clauses Act, 1897 · Nature, Scope and Relevance (Ss.6- 8) · Aids to Interpretation · Internal aids · External aids
Unit II
Rules of Statutory Interpretation · (a) Primary Rules · Literal rule-Golden rule Mischief rule · Rule of harmonious construction · (b) Secondary Rules · Noscitur a sociis · Ejusdem generis · Reddendo singula singulis · Presumptions in statutory interpretation · Maxims of Statutory Interpretation · Delegatus non potest delegare · Expressio unius exclusio alterius · Generalia specialibus non derogant · In pari delicto potior est conditio possidentis · Utres magis valeat quam pereat · In bonam partem
- Rules of interpretation of Statutes — Literal, Mischief and Golden rule of interpretation
- Presumptions in Statutory interpretation — Statutes are valid, Statutes are territorial in operation, Presumption as to jurisdiction, Presumption against what is inconvenient or absurd, Presumption against intending injustice, Presumption against impairing obligations or permitting advantage from one's own wrong
- The Interpretation of Statutes
Unit III
Interpretation with reference to the subject matter and purpose Restrictive and beneficial construction · Taxing statutes · Penal statutes · Welfare legislation Interpretation of substantive and adjunctive statutes · Interpretation of directory and mandatory provisions · Interpretation of enabling statutes Interpretation of codifying and consolidating statutes · Interpretation of statutes conferring rights · Interpretation of statutes conferring powers
Unit IV
Principles of Constitutional Interpretation Harmonious construction · Doctrine of Eclipse · Doctrine of pith and substance Colourable legislation · Doctrine of Severability · Ancillary powers · Residuary power · Occupied field · Doctrine of repugnancy · Doctrine of Immunity of instrumentalities
Unit V
Principles of Legislation · Principle of utility · Principles of Ascetic and Arbitrary Theory · Principles of sympathy and Antipathy · Operation of these principles upon legislation · Distinction between morals and legislation · Legislative Drafting · Principles of drafting a bill · Montesquieu rules in drafting