Principles Of Statutory Interpretation Gp Singh High Quality Portable May 2026
The meaning of a word is judged by the company it keeps. If a word is ambiguous, look at the words surrounding it to define its scope. Ejusdem Generis
What "mischief" or problem did the old law fail to address? The Remedy: How does this new Act fix that problem? Internal and External Aids principles of statutory interpretation gp singh high quality
When a list of specific items is followed by a general term, the general term is restricted to the same "kind" or "category" as the specific items. Why G.P. Singh’s Work is the Gold Standard The meaning of a word is judged by the company it keeps
Statutory interpretation is the process by which courts determine the meaning of a law. Justice G.P. Singh emphasized that the objective is always to discover the "intent of the Legislature." The Remedy: How does this new Act fix that problem
If the text is clear, consequences do not matter. 2. The Golden Rule
High-quality interpretation requires looking beyond just the section in question. G.P. Singh highlights various "aids" to help find meaning. Internal Aids (Within the Act) Sets out the main objectives. Headings: Provide context for a group of sections. Provisos: Limits or creates exceptions to the main clause. Definitions: The "internal dictionary" of the statute. External Aids (Outside the Act) Parliamentary History: Debates and Law Commission reports.
This focuses on the "spirit" of the law. To apply this, one must ask: What was the law before the Act?