MEANING, DEFINITION & IMPORTANCE OF

INTERPRETATION

Subject: Interpretation of Statutes (BLLBX01)

Course: B.A. LL.B

Semester: X

Session: 2024-25

Submitted to Submitted by

Dr. Syed Mohammad Yawar Name: Abdullah Hasan Khan

Assistant Professor Enrollment No: GL1620

Faculty No: 20BALLB111

Department of Law

Aligarh Muslim University

Aligarh

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 Table of Contents
Content Page No

1. Introduction____________________________________________________________5

2. Historical Evolution of Statutory Interpretation in India_______________________5

3. Meaning and Definition of Interpretation of Statutes__________________________5

4. Importance of Interpretation______________________________________________6

5. Rules of Interpretation___________________________________________________7

○ Literal Rule

○ Golden Rule

○ Mischief Rule

○ Purposive Rule

6. Aids to Interpretation____________________________________________________8

○ Internal Aids

○ External Aids

7. Canons of Interpretation_________________________________________________9

8. Role of Judiciary in Interpretation_________________________________________9

9. Contemporary Issues in Statutory Interpretation_____________________________9

10. Challenges in Statutory Interpretation_____________________________________10

11. Conclusion____________________________________________________________10

12. Bibliography__________________________________________________________11

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 List of Abbreviations

1. “AIR” – All India Reporter

2. “CEDAW” – Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against

Women

3. “CrPC” – Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973

4. “IPC” – Indian Penal Code, 1860

5. “ IT Act” – Information Technology Act, 2000

6. “LCI ” – Law Commission of India

7. “NGT” – National Green Tribunal

8. “NJAC” – National Judicial Appointments Commission

9. “SC” – Supreme Court of India

10. “UNCITRAL” – United Nations Commission on International Trade Law

List of Cases

1. Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala , AIR 1973 SC 1461.

2. CIT v. Sodra Devi , AIR 1957 SC 832.

3. S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram , AIR 1989 SC 1137.

4. Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan , AIR 1997 SC 3011.

5. State of Punjab v. Quiser Jehan Begum , AIR 1963 SC 1604.

6. Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India , (2018) 10 SCC 1.

7. Rattan Lal v. State of Punjab , AIR 1965 SC 444.

8. Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab , AIR 1994 SC 2659.

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 9. Heydon’s Case , (1584) 3 Co Rep 7a.

10. Sarla Mudgal v. Union o

11. Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation , AIR 1986 SC 180.

12. Re Berubari Union Case , AIR 1960 SC 845.

13. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India , AIR 1994 SC 1918.

14. K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India , (2017) 10 SCC 1.

15. Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India , (2016) 5 SCC 1.

1. Introduction

The interpretation of statutes is a cornerstone of legal jurisprudence, serving as the

bridge between abstract legislative texts and their real-world application. In India, where

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laws are often drafted with broad language to accommodate diverse societal contexts,
interpretation becomes indispensable for ensuring justice, equity, and legal certainty. This
project explores the meaning , definition , and importance of statutory interpretation,
emphasizing its role in balancing legislative intent with societal evolution. By integrating
academic theories, judicial doctrines, and interdisciplinary perspectives, this work
highlights how interpretation sustains the rule of law in a dynamic society.

2. Historical Evolution of Statutory Interpretation in India

India’s approach to statutory interpretation has evolved through colonial legacies and
post-independence constitutionalism. During British rule, courts adopted English common
law principles, emphasizing textual fidelity through the literal rule and mischief rule . 1

Post-independence, the judiciary embraced a rights-oriented approach, influenced by

constitutional values and socio-economic realities. Legal scholar Upendra Baxi notes that
the Indian judiciary transitioned from "textual positivism to transformative
constitutionalism," 2 as seen in cases like Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973),
which introduced the basic structure doctrine . 3
This shift reflects the interplay between
colonial heritage and indigenous legal innovation.

3. Meaning and Definition of Interpretation of Statutes

Interpretation is the judicial process of assigning meaning to legislative texts. Jurists and
scholars define it as follows:
● John Salmond : "Interpretation is the process by which courts ascertain the meaning
of
legislation through authoritative forms." 4

● N.S. Bindra : "It is the art of analyzing statutes to resolve ambiguities while aligning
with

1 A.T. Markesinis, Comparative Law in the Courtroom and Classroom (Hart Publishing 2003) 45.
2 Upendra Baxi, Courage, Craft, and Contention (NM Tripathi 1985) 112.
3 Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala , AIR 1973 SC 1461.
4 John Salmond, Jurisprudence (12th ed., Sweet & Maxwell 1966) 152.

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 legislative intent." 5

● Justice G.P. Singh : "Interpretation is a creative process to harmonize text with

societal
needs." 6

Academic literature emphasizes that interpretation is not merely linguistic but contextual.
V.N. Shukla , in Constitution of India , argues that statutory interpretation must account
for the "spirit of the law" rather than its "letter alone." 7
The Supreme Court in CIT v.
Sodra Devi (1957) 8 echoed this view, prioritizing legislative purpose over rigid literalism.

4. Importance of Interpretation

Interpretation is vital for the following reasons:

4.1 Resolving Ambiguities

Legal language is inherently ambiguous. Terms like "public order" (Article 19(2)) or
"reasonable restriction" require judicial clarification. The Law Commission of India , in
its 248th Report (2014), highlighted the necessity of judicial interpretation to address
vague statutory language. 9
For instance, S. Rangarajan v. P. Jagjivan Ram (1989) 10
distinguished "public order"
from mere law and order, aligning with academic critiques of legislative overbreadth. 11

4.2 Filling Legislative Gaps

Legislative omissions necessitate judicial creativity. Aharon Barak , in Purposive
Interpretation in Law , argues that judges must "breathe life into incomplete statutes." 12

The Supreme Court’s guidelines in Vishaka v. State of Rajasthan (1997) 13 exemplify this,
addressing workplace harassment despite legislative silence.
5 N.S. Bindra, Interpretation of Statutes (12th ed., Allahabad Law Agency 2020) 45.
6 G.P. Singh, Principles of Statutory Interpretation (14th ed., LexisNexis 2016) 89.
7 V.N. Shukla, Constitution of India (13th ed., Eastern Book Company 2017) 302.
8 AIR 1957 SC 832.
9 Law Commission of India, Report No. 248: Obsolete Laws (2014) para 3.2.
10 AIR 1989 SC 1137.
11 H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India (4th ed., Universal Law Publishing 1996) 987.
12 Aharon Barak, Purposive Interpretation in Law (Princeton University Press 2005) 88.
13 AIR 1997 SC 3011.

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4.3 Adapting to Technological Change

Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence challenge traditional definitions.

Lawrence Lessig , in Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace , asserts that laws must
evolve with technological advancements. 14
The Indian judiciary’s reinterpretation of
"property" to include digital assets under the IT Act, 2000, reflects this adaptability.

4.4 Ensuring Justice

Strict literalism can lead to injustice. H.L.A. Hart , in The Concept of Law , warns
against "mechanical jurisprudence" that ignores context. 15
The golden rule in State of
Punjab v. Quiser Jehan Begum (1963) 16 prevented eviction of a widow, embodying Hart’s
critique.

4.5 Upholding Constitutional Values

Interpretation reinforces constitutional morality. Granville Austin , in The Indian
Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation , notes that Indian courts act as "guardians of
constitutional ethos." 17
The decriminalization of homosexuality in Navtej Singh Johar v.
Union of India (2018) 18 exemplifies this role.

5. Rules of Interpretation

The judiciary employs four cardinal rules to interpret statutes:

5.1 Literal Rule

This rule mandates adherence to the plain meaning of statutory text. Cross on
Statutory
Interpretation underscores its role in preserving legislative supremacy. 19
However,
Justice

14 Lawrence Lessig, Code and Other Laws of Cyberspace (Basic Books 1999) 78.
15 H.L.A. Hart, The Concept of Law (2nd ed., Oxford University Press 1994) 126.
16 AIR 1963 SC 1604.
17 Granville Austin, The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation (Oxford University Press 1966) 204.
18 (2018) 10 SCC 1.
19 Rupert Cross, Statutory Interpretation (3rd ed., Butterworths 1995) 32.

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Krishna Iyer critiqued literalism as "pedantic" in Rattan Lal v. State of Punjab (1965). 20

5.2 Golden Rule

This modifies literalism to avoid absurdity. Glanville Williams , in Learning the Law ,
advocates for this rule to prevent "unjust outcomes." 21
Kartar Singh v. State of Punjab
(1994) 22 excluded licensed firearms from the Arms Act’s scope, aligning with Williams’ theory.

5.3 Mischief Rule

Originating from Heydon’s Case (1584), 23
this rule targets the problem the statute aimed
to resolve. Sir Edward Coke ’s doctrine remains influential in Indian jurisprudence, as
seen in Sarla Mudgal v. Union of India (1995). 24

5.4 Purposive Rule

This modern approach prioritizes legislative intent . Justice Bhagwati , in Olga Tellis v.
Bombay Municipal Corporation (1985), 25
expanded Article 21’s scope, reflecting Ronald
Dworkin ’s
theory of "law as integrity." 26

6. Aids to Interpretation

Courts rely on internal and external aids to discern legislative intent:

6.1 Internal Aids

● Preamble : Re Berubari Union Case (1960) 27
affirmed its utility, as discussed in
M.P.
Jain ’s Indian Constitutional Law . 28

20 AIR 1965 SC 444.

21 Glanville Williams, Learning the Law (13th ed., Sweet & Maxwell 2006) 75.
22 AIR 1994 SC 2659.
23 (1584) 3 Co Rep 7a.
24 AIR 1995 SC 1531.
25 AIR 1986 SC 180.
26 Ronald Dworkin, Law’s Empire (Harvard University Press 1986) 225.
27 AIR 1960 SC 845.
28 M.P. Jain, Indian Constitutional Law (7th ed., LexisNexis 2018) 89.

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 ● Marginal Notes : Durga Das Basu , in Introduction to the Constitution of India ,
highlights their role in clarifying ambiguous provisions. 29

6.2 External Aids

● Parliamentary Debates : Erskine May ’s Parliamentary Practice justifies their
use, as seen in S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994). 30

● International Conventions : The Supreme Court in Vishaka relied on

CEDAW, aligning
with J.H.H. Weiler ’s advocacy for transnational legal integration. 31

7. Canons of Interpretation

● Ejusdem Generis : Max Radin ’s Statutory Interpretation explains its application

in
limiting general terms. 32

● Harmonious Construction : Justice Chandrachud in K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union

of India (2017) 33 harmonized privacy rights with state interests, reflecting Lon
Fuller ’s "internal
morality of law." 34

8. Role of Judiciary

Indian courts balance textual fidelity and judicial creativity . Upendra Baxi , in
Courage, Craft, and Contention , critiques judicial overreach but acknowledges its

29 Durga Das Basu, Introduction to the Constitution of India (23rd ed., LexisNexis 2015) 67.
30 S.R. Bommai v. Union of India , AIR 1994 SC 1918.
31 J.H.H. Weiler, The Constitution of Europe (Cambridge University Press 1999) 134.
32 Max Radin, Statutory Interpretation (Harvard University Press 1930) 45.
33 (2017) 10 SCC 1.
34 Lon Fuller, The Morality of Law (Yale University Press 1964) 96.

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necessity in transformative constitutionalism. 35
The NJAC Judgment (2015) 36 exemplifies
this tension, prioritizing judicial independence over parliamentary intent.

9. Contemporary Issues

1. Digital Age : Julie E. Cohen ’s Between Truth and Power discusses reinterpretation
of
privacy laws in the digital era. 37

2. Environmental Law : The National Green Tribunal ’s use of the "precautionary

principle" aligns with David Boyd ’s The Rights of Nature . 37

10. Challenges

1. Ambiguity : H.M. Seervai ’s Constitutional Law of India critiques vague drafting. 38

2. Judicial Overreach : T.R. Andhyarujina ’s Judicial Activism and Constitutional

Democracy debates judicial boundaries. 39

11. Conclusion

Statutory interpretation is the lifeblood of a living legal system, enabling laws to adapt
to societal changes while preserving legislative intent. By integrating academic theories,
judicial doctrines, and interdisciplinary insights, Indian courts ensure justice, equity, and
constitutional morality. As Justice H.R. Khanna observed, "The Constitution is a vehicle
of life, and its spirit is always the
spirit of the age." 41

35 Upendra Baxi, The Indian Supreme Court and Politics (Eastern Book Company 1980) 212.
36 Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association v. Union of India ,
(2016) 5 SCC 1. 37 Julie E. Cohen, Between Truth and Power (Oxford
University Press 2019) 156.
37 David Boyd, The Rights of Nature (ECW Press 2017) 89.
38 H.M. Seervai, Constitutional Law of India (4th ed., Universal Law Publishing 1996) 1022.
39 T.R. Andhyarujina, Judicial Activism and Constitutional Democracy (N.M.
Tripathi 1992) 78. 41 H.R. Khanna, Judicial Review: Process and Perspectives
(Eastern Book Company 1985) 89.

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12. Bibliography

1. Books :
0 Baxi, Upendra, Courage, Craft, and Contention: The Indian Supreme Court
in the Eighties (NM Tripathi 1985).
○ Singh, G.P., Principles of Statutory Interpretation (14th ed., LexisNexis 2016).
○ Shukla, V.N., Constitution of India (13th ed., Eastern Book Company 2017).
2. Articles :
0 Barak, Aharon, "Purposive Interpretation in Law" (2005) 43 Harvard Journal on
Legislation 11. Available at
https://constitutionalist.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Aharon-Barak-A-
Pur posive-Interpretation-in-Law.pdf
○ Law Commission of India, Report No. 248: Obsolete Laws: Warranting
Immediate Repeal (2014). available at
https://lawcommissionofindia.nic.in/cat_obsolete_laws/

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