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Principles of legislation and Interpretation of statutes

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Interpretation of Statutes Dr. Shobhna Jeet School of Legal Studies (SOLS) K. R. Managalam University Program: BALLB(H), BBALLB (H), BCOMLLB (H), LLB(H) Dr. Shobhna Jeet (KRMU) IOS June 6, 2024
Course Coordinator Dr. Shobhna Jeet IOS Dr. Shobhna Jeet Phd. LL.M (UGC NET) Associate Professor School of Legal Studies KR Mangalam University
Contact your Course Coordinator • Email- S h o b h n a . j e e t @ k r ma n g a l a m. e d u . i n • WhatsApp – 9870338324 Dr. Shobhna Jeet (KRMU) IOS
Course Objectives Dr. Shobhna Jeet IOS 1 To provide knowledge of the principles and process of statutory interpretation 2 To explain the concept of impacting on approaches to statutory interpretation and its application in professional practice. 3 To understand the statutory interpretation while working collaboratively. 4. To make the students know about legal research principles and methods in interpreting legal instruments.
Course Outcomes Dr. Shobhna Jeet IOS CO1 The students will be able to understand principles and process of statutory interpretation. CO2 The students will have the knowledge of approaches to statutory interpretation and its application in professional practice. CO3 The students will have an understanding of statutory interpretation while working collaboratively. CO4 The students will know the legal research principles and methods in interpreting legal instruments.
CourseOverview Unit-1 Interpretation and Statute: Meaning Classification, Rule of Construction Unit-2 Internal Aid, External Aid Interpretation of Mandatory and Directory Provisions, Interpretation of Penal Statutes Unit-3 Interpretation of Indian Constitution Unit-4 Theoryof Utilitarianism Dr.Shobhna Jeet (KRMU) IOS
Lecture Details Lecture Timings:- Day of the Week Timings Class Room Theory Lectures Dr. Shobhna Jeet IOS
Assignments All assignmentsmust be submitted electronically via LMS. Moodle - the course portal. You can access the portal here. Assignmentdue dates will be specified with each task. Late submissionsmay incur penalties accordingto the course policy. Dr. Shobhna Jeet IOS May 24 2024
Evaluation SchemeI Evaluation Scheme Evaluation Component Duration Assessment Tool Weightage (%) Continuous As- sessment Semester Quiz/Assignment/ Presentation / Extempore 20 Attendance Semester Class Attendance 10 Mid Term Exami- nation 60 Minutes Written Exam 20 End Term Exami- nation 180 Min- utes Written Exam 50 TOTAL 100 Dr. Shobhna Jeet(KRMU) IOS
EvaluationSchemeII Evaluation Scheme Performance Evaluation Component Duration Weightage (%) Internal Attendance Continuous As - sessment Mini Project Semester Semester Semester 10 20 20 External Attendance Continuous As - sessment Semester Semester 10 20 TOTAL 100 Dr. Shobhna Jeet IOS
ReferenceMaterial: Books Text Books: G.P. Singh, Principles of Statutory, Interpretation Maxwell Interpretation of Statites Reference Books: NS Bindra Dr. Shobhna Jeet(KRMU) IOS
ReferenceMaterial: OnlineResources Dr. Shobhna Jeet(KRMU) IOS 1. http://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/case.html 2. http://openscholarship.wustl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1002& context=law_jurisprudence ; 3. http://www.angelfire.com/md2/timewarp/bentham.html 4. http://www.econlib.org/library/Bentham/bnthPML5.html 5. http://faculty.msj.edu/whiter/utility.htm
Unit-1 IOS Interpretation and Statute: Meaning Classification, Rule of Construction
Unit-1 Unit-1:Interpretation of Statute: Meaning Classification, Rule of Construction Session Goal:(SG) To know about Interpretation of Statute: Meaning Classification, Rule of Construction Learning Goal (LG)1:To read aboutInterpretation, Construction, and statutes. LearningGoal (LG)2: To read aboutthe classificationof statutes Learning Goal 3(LG): To read the rule of construction Dr. Shobhna Jeet (KRMU) IOS
Unit-1 Session-1 S G: To know about Interpretation of Statute: Meaning LG: To read aboutInterpretation, Construction, and statutes. Dr. Megha Garg (KRMU) LOE
Unit-1 Dr. Megha Garg (KRMU) LOE Basic Terminologies: Statute To the common man the terms ‘Statute’ generally means the laws and regulations of every sort without considering from which source they emanate. The term ‘Statute’ has been defined as the written will of the legislature solemnly expressed according to the forms necessary to constitute it the law of the State. Normally, the term denotes an Act enacted by the legislative authority (e.g. Parliament of India). In short ‘statute’ signifies written law in contradiction to unwritten law.
Basic Terminologies: Documents Section 3 of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 Section 3(18) of the General Clauses Act, 1897 Document’ means any matter expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks or by more than one of those means, intended to be used, or which may be used, for the purpose of recording that matter. The term ‘document’ shall include any matter written, expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks, or by more than one of those means which is intended to be used, or which may be used, for the purpose of recording this matter.
BasicTerminologies: Instruments Dr. Megha Garg (KRMU) LOE In common parlance, ‘instrument’ means a formal legal document which creates or confirms a right or records a fact. It is a formal writing of any kind, such as an agreement, charter or record, drawn up and executed in a technical form. It also means a formal legal document having legal effect, either as creating liability or as affording evidence of it.
BasicTerminologies: Deed Dr. Megha Garg (KRMU) LOE The Legal Glossary defines ‘deed’ as an instrument in writing (or other legible representation or words on parchment or paper) purporting to effect some legal disposition. Simply stated deeds are instruments though all instruments may not be deeds. However, in India no distinction seems to be made between instruments and deeds.
Basic Terminologies: Interpretation Dr. Megha Garg (KRMU) LOE Interpretation’ is the process by which the real meaning of an Act (or a document) and the intention of the legislature in enacting it (or of the parties executing the document) is ascertained. ‘Interpretation’ signifies expounding the meaning of abstruse words, writings, etc., making out of their meaning, explaining, understanding them in a specified manner.
ImportanceofInterpretation In relation to statute law, interpretation is of importance because of the inherent nature of legislation as a source of law. The process of statute making and the process of interpretation of statutes take place separately from each other, and two different agencies are concerned.
InterpretationandConstruction Both terms are generally used interchangeably, but these two terms have different connotations. The cardinal rule of construction of a statute is to read it literally, which means by giving to the words used by the legislature their ordinary, natural and grammatical meaning The cardinal law of interpretation is that if the language is simple and unambiguous, it is to be read with the clear intention of the legislation.
Classification of Interpretation General Classification of Interpretation Legal Authentic Rule of interpretation is derived from the legislator himself Usual It comes from some other source such as custom or case law Doctrinal Grammatical Applies only the ordinary rules of speechfor finding out the meaning of the words used in the statute. Logical When the court goesbeyondthe words and tries to discover the intention of the statute when there is an actual rule of law which binds the Judge to place a certain interpretation of the statute. when its purpose is to discover ‘real’ and ‘true’ meaning of the statute. 11
Difference between Interpretation and Construction Interpretation is of finding out the true sense of any form and the construction is the drawing of conclusion respecting subjects that lie beyond the direct expression of the text. . [Bhagwati Prasad Kedia v. C.I.T,(2001)] Where the Court adheres to the plain meaning of the language used by the legislature, it would be ‘interpretation’ of the words, but where the meaning is not plain, the court has to decide whether the wording was meant to cover the situation before the court. Here the court would be resorting to what is called ‘construction’.
NeedforInterpretation/Construction The English language is not an instrument of mathematical precision. Our literature would be much the poorer if it were. This is where the draftsmen of Acts of Parliament have often been unfairly criticized. A judge, believing himself to be fettered by the supposed rule that he must look to the language and nothing else, laments that the draftsmen have not provided for this or that, or have been guilty of some or other ambiguity. DENNING L.J.
NeedforInterpretation/Construction The subject of the interpretation of a statute, therefore, seems to fall under two general heads: What are the principles which govern the construction of the language of an Act of Parliament? What are those principles which guide the interpreter in gathering the intention on those incidental points on which the legislature is necessarily presumed to have entertained an opinion but on which it has not expressed any?
Process of Interpretation Aids Statutory – illustrated by General Clauses Act, 1897 Specific definitions contained in individual Acts Non-statutory- illustrated by Common law rules of interpretation Case-law relating to the interpretation of statutes 16
Rules of Interpretation/Construction Primary Rules • Rule of Literal Construction • Rule of Reasonable Construction • Rule of Harmonious Construction • Rule of Beneficial Construction • Rule of Exceptional Construction • Rule of Ejusdem Generis Secondary Rules • Effect of usage • Associated Words to be Understood in Common Sense Manner 17
Rule of Literal Construction It is the cardinal rule of construction that words, sentences and phrases of a statute should be read in their ordinary, natural and grammatical meaning so that they may have effect in their widest amplitude. At the same time, the elementary rule of construction has to be borne in mind that words and phrases of technical nature are ‘prima facie’ used in their technical meaning, if they have any, and otherwise in their ordinary popular meaning.
RuleofLiteralConstruction When the language of the statute is plain and unambiguous and admits of only one meaning, no question of construction of a statute arises, for the Act speaks for itself. The meaning must be collected from the expressed intention of the legislature (State of U.P. v. Vijay Anand, AIR 1963 SC 946). A word which has a definite and clear meaning should be interpreted with that meaning only, irrespective of its consequences
RuleofLiteralConstruction It is the duty of the court to give effect to the intent of the legislature and in doing so, its first reference is to the literal meaning of the words employed. Where the language is plain and admits of only one meaning, there is no room for interpretation and only that meaning is to be enforced even though it is absurd or mischievous, the maxim being ‘absoluta sententia expositore non indiget’
RuleofLiteralConstruction Words used in the popular sense:  It dealing with matter regarding the general public, statutes are presumed to use words in their popular sense.
RuleofLiteralConstruction  But to deal with particular business or transaction, words are presumed to be used with the particular meaning in which they are used and understood in the particular business.  However, words in statutes are generally construed in their popular meaning and not in their technical meaning.
RuleofReasonableConstruction Generally the words or phrases of a statute are to be given their ordinary or “literal” meaning. But when the grammatical or literal construction leads to a manifest absurdity then the courts shall interpret the statute so as to resolve the inconsistency and make the enactment a consistent whole.
This principle is based on the rule that the words of a statute must be construed reasonably so as to give effect to the enactment rather than reduce it to a futility. (Interpretatio fienda est ut res magis valeat quam pereat) Hence this rule is called the Rule of Reasonable Construction. So, while interpreting a law, two meanings are possible, one making the statute absolutely vague and meaningless and other leading to certainty and a meaningful interpretation, in such case the latter interpretation should be followed.(Pratap Singh v State of Jharkhand(2005)3 SCC 551).
RuleofHarmoniousConstruction Where there are in an enactment two or more provisions which cannot be reconciled with each other, they should be so interpreted, wherever possible, as to give effect to all of them. This is what is known as the Rule of Harmonious Construction. An effort should be made to interpret a statute in such a way as harmonizes with the object of the statute.
RuleofHarmoniousConstruction where it is not possible to give effect to both the provisions harmoniously, collision may be avoided by holding that one section which is in conflict with another merely provides for an exception or a specific rule different from the general rule contained in the other. A specific rule will override a general rule. This principle is usually expressed by the maxim, “generalia specialibus non derogant”.
RuleofHarmoniousConstruction The Rule of Harmonious Construction is applicable only when there is a real and not merely apparent conflict between the provisions of an Act, and one of them has not been made subject to the other. When after having construed their context the words are capable of only a single meaning, the rule of harmonious construction disappears and is replaced by the rule of literal construction
Rule of Beneficial Construction or the Heydon’s Rule Where the language used in a statute is capable of more than one interpretation, the most firmly established rule for construction is the principle laid down in the Heydon’s case (1584) 3 Co. Rep 7a 76 ER 637. This rule is also known as ‘purposive construction’ or mischief rule. The rule then directs the courts must adopt that construction which ‘shall suppress the mischief and advance the remedy.’
Rule of Beneficial Construction or the Heydon’s Rule The rule, enables consideration of four matters in construing an Act: i. what was the law before the making of the Act; ii. what was the mischief or defect for which the law did not provide; iii. what is the remedy that the Act has provided; and iv. what is the reason for the remedy.
RuleofExceptionalConstruction The rule of exceptional construction stands for the elimination of statutes and words in a statute which defeat the real objective of the statute or make no sense.
Aspectsof ruleof ExceptionalConstruction II. Conjunctive and Disjunctive Words ‘or’ ‘and’ The word ‘or’ is normally disjunctive and ‘and’ is normally conjunctive. However, at times they are read as vice versa to give effect to the manifest intention of the legislature as disclosed from the context. This would be so where the literal reading of the words produces an unintelligible or absurd result. In such a case ‘and’ may by read for ‘or’ and ‘or’ for ‘and’ even though the result of so modifying the words is less favourable to the subject, provided that the intention of the legislature is otherwise quite clear.
Aspectsof ruleof ExceptionalConstruction III. May’, ‘must’ and ‘shall’ ‘May’ indicates an option, hence a provision containing ‘May’ is directory.‘Shall’ indicates that there is no option, hence provisions containing ‘Shall’ are termed Mandatory.When a provision is mandatory, it must be strictly observed. When it is ‘directory’ it would be sufficient that it is substantially complied with. But, in some cases ‘May’ can have the meaning of ‘Shall’ and vice versa
RuleofEjusdemGeneris  The term ‘ejusdem generis’ means ‘of the same kind or species’.  The rule of ejusdem generis means that where specific words are used and after those specific words, some general words are used, the general words would take their colour from the specific words used earlier.  If the particular words used exhaust the whole genus (category), then the general words are to be construed as covering a larger genus.  The general principle of ‘ejusdem generis’ applies only where the specific words are all the same nature.
Rule of Ejusdem Generis Rule Applies When Statute contains an enumeration of specific words The subjects of enumeration constitute a class or category That class or category Is not exhausted by the enumeration The general terms follow enumeration There is no indication of a different legislative intent 45
Effectof Usage Usage or practice developed under the statute is indicative of the meaning recognized to its words by contemporary opinion. A uniform practice continued under an old statute and inaction of the Legislature to amend the same are important factors to show that the practice so followed was based on correct understanding of the law. When the usage or practice receives judicial or legislative approval it gains additional weight.
Effectof Usage In this connection, we have to bear in mind two Latin maxims: a) ‘Optima Legum interpres est consuetude’ mean in the custom is the best interpreter of the law. b) ‘Contempraneo expositio est optima et fortissinia in lege’ meaning the best way to interpret a document is to read it as it would have been understood when made.
AssociatedWordsto be Understoodin Common SenseManner When two words or expressions are coupled together one of which generally excludes the other, obviously the more general term is used in a meaning excluding the specific one. The concept of ‘Noscitur A Sociis’ (‘it is known by its associates’), that is to say ‘the meaning of a word is to be judged by the company it keeps’. When two or more words which are capable of analogous (similar or parallel) meaning are coupled together, they are to be understood in their cognate sense (i.e. akin in origin, nature or quality).
AssociatedWordsto be Understoodin Common SenseManner Fresh orange juice is not a fruit juice! While dealing with a Purchase Tax Act, which used the expression “manufactured beverages including fruit-juices and bottled waters and syrups,” it was held that the description ‘fruit juices’ as occurring therein should be construed in the context of the preceding words and that orange-juice unsweetened and freshly pressed was not within the description
AssociatedWordsto be Understoodin Common SenseManner It must be borne in mind that nocitur a sociis, is merely a rule of construction and it cannot prevail in cases where it is clear that the wider words have been deliberately used in order to make the scope of the defined word correspondingly wider.
Unit II :

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Principles of legislation and Interpretation of statutes

Editor's Notes

  1. Section 2(14) of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 states that ‘instrument’ includes every document by which any right or liability is or purports to be created, transferred, extended, extinguished or recorded
  2. A person is there by aided in arguing, contesting and interpreting the proper significance of a section, a proviso, explanation or schedule to an Act or any document, deed or instrument.
  3. An interpretation of an enactment serves as the bridge of understanding between the two.
  4. An interpretation of an enactment serves as the bridge of understanding between the two.
  5. ‘Interpretation’ and ‘Construction’ overlap each other, and it is rather difficult to state where ‘interpretation’ leaves off and ‘construction’ begins
  6. ‘Absoluta sententia expositore non indiget’ means a clear proposition needs no expositor i.e., when you have plain words capable of only one interpretation, no explanation to them is required.
  7. Therefore, the best interpretation/construction of a statute or any other document is that which has been made by the contemporary authority.
  8. . [Commissioners. Vs. Savoy Hotel, (1966) 2 All. E.R. 299]