Interpretation of Statutes and Principles of Legislation
Unit I
Introduction: Interpretation – Meaning, Objects and Scope – Difference Between Interpretation and Construction – Statutes – Nature and Kinds – Commencement, Operation and Repeal of Statutes – Purpose of Interpretation of Statutes – Basic Sources of Statutory Interpretation – The General Clauses Act, 1897: Nature, Scope and Relevance (Ss. 6-8) – Aids to Interpretation: Internal Aids and External Aids.
Unit II
Rules of Statutory Interpretation and Presumptions in Statutory Interpretation:
Primary Rules – Literal Rule, Golden Rule, Mischief Rule (Rule in Heydon's Case), Rule of Harmonious Construction.
Secondary Rules – Noscitur a Sociis, Ejusdem Generis, Reddendo Singula Singulis.
Presumptions – 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, Prospective Operation of Statutes.
Interpretation with Reference to the Subject Matter and Purpose: Restrictive and Beneficial Construction, Interpretation of Taxing Statutes, Penal Statutes, Welfare Legislations, Substantive and Procedural Statutes, Directory and Mandatory Provisions, Enabling Statutes, Codifying and Consolidating Statutes, Statutes Conferring Rights, Statutes Conferring Powers, Statutes Affecting the State, Statutes Affecting the Jurisdiction of Courts.
Unit III
Maxims of Statutory Interpretation:
Delegatus Non Potest Delegare, Expressio Unius Exclusio Alterius, Generalia Specialibus Non Derogant, In Pari Delicto Potior Est Conditio Possidentis, Ut Res Magis Valeat Quam Pereat, Expressum Facit Cessare Tacitum, In Bonam Partem.
Unit IV
Interpretation of the Constitution:
Rule of Harmonious Construction, Doctrine of Pith and Substance, Colourable Legislation, Ancillary Powers, Occupied Field, Residuary Power, Doctrine of Repugnancy.
Unit V
Principles of Legislation:
Law-making – The Legislature, Executive and the Judiciary – Principle of Utility – Relevance of John Rawls and Robert Nozick – Individual Interest to Community Interest – Operation of These Principles Upon Legislation – Distinction Between Morals and Legislation.
Suggested Readings:
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P. St. J. Langan – Maxwell on the Interpretation of Statutes
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Vepa P. Sarathi – Interpretation of Statutes
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G.P. Singh – Principles of Statutory Interpretation
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Bentham – Theory of Legislation
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Bakshi – Legislation
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Brown – Underlying Principles of Modern Legislations
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Dr. Nirmal Khanthi Chakravarthi – Principles of Legislation and Legislative Drafting
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S.G.G. Edgar – Craies on Statute Law
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Swarup Jagadish – Legislation and Interpretation
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K. Shanmukham – N.S. Bindra’s Interpretation of Statutes
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M.P. Jain – Constitutional Law of India
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M.P. Singh (Ed.) – V.N. Shukla: Constitution of India
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U. Baxi – Introduction to Justice K.K. Mathews, Democracy Equality and Freedom
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P.K. Tripathi – Spotlight on Constitutional Interpretation
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M.P. Tandon – Interpretation of Statutes
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