Lesson 3 - Interpretation of Statutes

The primary object of the interpretation of statutes is to discover the true intention of the Legislature; and where
the intention can be indubitably ascertained the courts are bound to give effect to it regardless of their opinion
about its wisdom or folly. The phrase “Interpretation of Statutes” implies the judicial process of determining, in
accordance with certain rules and presumptions, the true meaning of the Acts of the Parliament. In this context,
the phrase would mean a process or manner that conveys one’s understanding of the ideas of the creator,
or understand as having a particular meaning or significance, explanation, explication or a clarification for a
particular statute or law.

The lesson aims at:

• Familiarizing students with Need for interpretation of a statute;

• Help students learn the Principles of Interpretation; and

• Equip the students with the Aids to Interpretation.

Lesson 4 - General Clauses Act, 1897

The General Clauses Act 1897 belongs to the class of Acts which may be called as interpretation Acts. An
interpretation Act lays down the basic rules as to how courts should interpret the provisions of an Act of
Parliament. It also defines certain words or expressions so that there is no unnecessary repetition of definition
of those words in other Acts. In other words, an Interpretation Act provides a standard set of definitions or
extended definitions of words and expressions commonly used in legislation. It also provides a set of rules
which regulate certain aspects of operation of other enactments. In addition there are other provisions which
are not merely definitions or rules of construction but substantive rules of law.

• The purpose of this lesson is to provide the students with:

• Fundamental knowledge of the Key Definitions;

• General Rule of Construction;

• Retrospective Amendments; and

• Powers and Functions under the Act.

Lesson 5 - Administrative Laws

The modern state typically has three organs- legislative, executive and judiciary. Traditionally, the legislature
was tasked with the making of laws, the executive with the implementation of the laws and judiciary with the
administration of justice and settlement of disputes. This has led to an all pervasive presence of administration
in the life of a modern citizen. In such a context, a study of administrative law assumes great significance.

The objective of the lesson is to introduce the students regarding:

• Conceptual Analysis;

• Source and Need of Administrative Law;

• Principle of Natural Justice;

• Administrative Discretion; and

• Judicial Review.

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