The judge’s role under this rule is to suppress the mischief and advance the remedy. Internal Aids to Construction
The primary objective of statutory interpretation is to ascertain the jus dicere —to declare the law as intended by the legislature. Justice G.P. Singh emphasized that courts do not possess the authority to alter laws. Instead, they must determine the by analyzing the precise words used in the statute. 1. Primary Rules of Interpretation
Debates, committee reports, and statements of objects and reasons. principles of statutory interpretation gp singh high quality
A poor edition will have a cursory index. A high-quality GP Singh includes:
Statutory interpretation is the bedrock of judicial decision-making in common law jurisdictions. Because legislatures cannot foresee every future scenario, statutory language is frequently subject to ambiguity, gaps, and evolving contexts. In the Indian legal landscape, Justice G.P. Singh’s Principles of Statutory Interpretation stands as the definitive, high-quality treatise on this subject. Widely cited by the Supreme Court of India and high courts across the country, this foundational text bridges the gap between legislative intent and judicial application. The judge’s role under this rule is to
If you want to explore this topic further, let me know. I can analyze that utilized these rules, break down the difference between mandatory and directory provisions , or compare strict versus liberal construction . Which angle Share public link
Only modify the language enough to fix the absurdity. 3. The Mischief Rule (Heydon’s Case) Singh emphasized that courts do not possess the
Their varying degrees of persuasive weight in resolving ambiguities. External Aids
What was the "mischief" or defect the law failed to address? What remedy did the legislature intend to provide? The true reason for the remedy.
A high-quality edition of GP Singh is not a historical relic; it is a living document. The 13th, 14th, and 15th editions include modern landmark judgments:
The principle that there is no room for equity or intendment in a taxing statute; either the citizen falls squarely within the letter of the law, or they do not.