The primary source for understanding the background of legislation.
Marginal notes are traditionally given less weight, but Singh notes their rising utility in modern drafting as contextual signposts.
What elevates Singh above other textbooks? The following attributes define its excellence: principles of statutory interpretation gp singh high quality
Look beyond, using internal and external aids.
“In the end, interpretation is not about winning a linguistic puzzle; it is about discovering what a democratic legislature meant to do—and doing it.” — Inspired by the spirit of G.P. Singh The primary source for understanding the background of
GP Singh emphasizes that the foundational goal of interpretation is to ascertain the intention of the legislature. While this seems straightforward, the language used in statutes can be ambiguous or contradictory.
If a statute explicitly mentions specific items, it intentionally excludes items not mentioned. 4. Internal Aids to Construction The following attributes define its excellence: Look beyond,
This focuses on the "spirit" of the law. To apply this, one must ask: What was the law before the Act?
The book warns against departing from the literal rule based on perceived hardship or injustice, as doing so usurps the legislative function. The Golden Rule (Modifying the Literal Meaning)
: Used when a literal reading causes manifest injustice or contradiction.
Principles of Statutory Interpretation by GP Singh: A Comprehensive Guide