40 Most Important Short Questions & Answers | Interpretation of Statutes

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A quick and simple guide covering the 40 most important Interpretation of Statutes questions and answers every law student must know. This blog helps in viva, exams, and interview preparation. Also downloadable file attached.

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Introduction

The Interpretation of Statutes is one of the most essential subject for every law student. It tells us how legal language is interpreted. For exams, viva, and interviews, short questions from Interpretation of Statutes are very common. This blog gives you 40 most important short questions with easy answers to strengthen your basics.

📘 General & Foundational Concepts

1. Q: What is meant by interpretation of statutes?
   A: It is the process by which courts seek to ascertain the meaning of legislative texts.
2. Q: What is the primary object of interpretation?
   A: To determine the intention of the legislature.
3. Q: Name the two types of interpretation.
   A: Literal and purposive (or liberal) interpretation.
4. Q: What is the literal rule of interpretation?
   A: Giving words their plain, ordinary, grammatical meaning.
5. Q: What is the golden rule of interpretation?
   A: Modifying the literal meaning to avoid absurdity.
6. Q: What is the mischief rule?
   A: It interprets a statute to suppress the mischief and advance the remedy.
7. Q: Which case laid down the Mischief Rule?
   A: Heydon’s Case (1584).
8. Q: What is the purposive approach?
   A: Interpretation that considers the broader purpose and object of the statute.
9. Q: What is harmonious construction?
   A: Resolving conflicts between provisions to give effect to all.
10. Q: What is the rule of ejusdem generis?
    A: General words following specific ones are interpreted in the same class.

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📙 Maxims & Doctrines

11. Q: What does expressio unius est exclusio alterius mean?
    A: Express mention of one thing excludes others.
12. Q: What is noscitur a sociis?
    A: A word is known by the company it keeps.
13. Q: What is generalia specialibus non derogant?
    A: General law does not override specific law.
14. Q: What does ut res magis valeat quam pereat mean?
    A: A statute should be interpreted so as to make it effective.
15. Q: What is contemporanea expositio?
    A: Interpretation should consider how the law was understood at the time it was enacted.
16. Q: What is in pari materia?
    A: Statutes dealing with the same subject matter should be read together.
17. Q: What does casus omissus mean?
    A: A case omitted is not to be supplied by the courts.
18. Q: What is the effect of non obstante clauses?
    A: It overrides conflicting provisions of law.

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📗 Statutory Construction & Presumptions

19. Q: What is internal aid to interpretation?
    A: Aids found within the statute like preamble, headings, explanations, provisos, etc.
20. Q: What are external aids?
    A: Aids outside the statute like legislative history, dictionaries, and reports.
21. Q: What is the significance of the preamble in interpretation?
    A: It reflects the object and scope of the Act.
22. Q: What is a proviso?
    A: A clause which qualifies or restricts the main provision.
23. Q: What is a legal fiction?
    A: An assumption that something is true, even though it may not be, to serve a legal purpose.
24. Q: Can a legal fiction be extended?
    A: No, it must be limited to the purpose for which it was created.
25. Q: How is the term “shall” interpreted?
    A: Generally as mandatory, unless context suggests otherwise.
26. Q: How is the term “may” interpreted?
    A: Generally as directory or permissive.
27. Q: What is a saving clause?
    A: It preserves certain rights or provisions from being affected by the Act.
28. Q: What is retrospective operation of statutes?
    A: When a law affects acts done before its enactment.
29. Q: Are penal laws presumed to be retrospective?
    A: No, penal laws are presumed to be prospective.
30. Q: What is the effect of repeal of a statute?
    A: Unless a contrary intention appears, it does not affect previous operations.

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📒 Judicial Trends & Interpretation Techniques

31. Q: Which rule is considered the safest in interpretation?
    A: The literal rule.
32. Q: What role does judicial precedent play in interpretation?
    A: It provides guidance and consistency in interpreting laws.
33. Q: What is dynamic interpretation?
    A: Interpreting law in line with changing societal values.
34. Q: What is strict construction?
    A: Used primarily for penal statutes — interpreted narrowly in favor of the accused.
35. Q: What is beneficial construction?
    A: Liberal interpretation to promote social welfare.
36. Q: What is directory vs mandatory distinction?
    A: Mandatory provisions must be followed; directory provisions are optional.
37. Q: What is the interpretation of taxing statutes?
    A: Strictly construed; no tax without clear words.
38. Q: Can interpretation override the plain meaning?
    A: Only when it leads to absurdity or defeats legislative intent.
39. Q: Name a key case on the literal rule in India.
    A: State of Jharkhand v. Govind Singh (2004).
40. Q: Name a case where purposive interpretation was adopted.
    A: M. Pentiah v. Muddala Veeramallappa (1961).

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Conclusion

These short questions help you revise Interpretation of Statutes quickly and build strong fundamentals. For interview preparation, knowing these basics gives you a big advantage. If you want more Q&A from Evidence Act, IPC, CrPC, or Contract Act, feel free to ask!

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