ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSE ON INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES
(INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES – SYLLABUS)UNIT I: Introduction
- Meaning and object of Interpretation of Statutes
- Need for interpretation
- Statute: concept and classification
- Interpretation vs Construction
- Role of courts in statutory interpretation
UNIT II: Rules of Interpretation
- Literal Rule
- Golden Rule
- Mischief Rule (Heydon’s Case)
- Rule of Harmonious Construction
- Purposive Interpretation
- Rule of Reasonable Construction
- Ejusdem Generis
- Noscitur a Sociis
- Expressio Unius Est Exclusio Alterius
UNIT III: Internal Aids to Interpretation
- Title (Long title & Short title)
- Preamble
- Headings and Marginal notes
- Sections, sub-sections, provisos and explanations
- Schedules
- Definitions and interpretation clauses
UNIT IV: External Aids to Interpretation
- Parliamentary debates
- Historical background and objects & reasons
- Dictionaries
- Foreign judgments
- Reports of Law Commission
- Contemporary exposition
UNIT V: Presumptions in Interpretation
- Presumption against retrospectivity
- Presumption against penal liability
- Presumption against ouster of jurisdiction
- Presumption against implied repeal
- Presumption in favour of constitutionality
- Presumption against violation of international law
UNIT VI: Interpretation of Specific Words & Expressions
- “Shall” and “May”
- “And” & “Or”
- Mandatory and directory provisions
- Use of “Includes”, “Means”, “Deemed”
- Singular and plural; masculine and feminine
UNIT VII: Interpretation of Taxing, Penal & Beneficial Statutes
- Interpretation of taxing statutes
- Interpretation of penal statutes
- Interpretation of beneficial and remedial statutes
- Interpretation of welfare legislation
UNIT VIII: Subordinate Legislation
- Meaning and types of delegated legislation
- Rules, regulations, bye-laws
- Control over delegated legislation
- Parliamentary control
- Judicial control
- Doctrine of ultra vires
UNIT IX: Judicial Interpretation & Case Laws
- Principles evolved by Indian judiciary
- Landmark case laws on statutory interpretation
- Role of Supreme Court and High Courts
- Judicial creativity and limits
UNIT X: Contemporary Trends
- Liberal interpretation
- Teleological interpretation
- Interpretation in constitutional and human rights context
- Impact of globalization on statutory interpretation
UNIT XI: Rules of Interpretation of Constitution
- Doctrine of Pith and substance
- Colourable Legislation
- Doctrine Severability
- Doctrine of Eclipse
- Doctrine of Repugnancy
- Territorial Nexus