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Question-16 कानून को सम्पूर्ण रूप से पढ़ा जाना चाहिए।" निर्वचन के इस सिद्धान्त की विवेचना निर्णीत वादों की सहायता से कीजिए।

 "The Statute should be read as a whole." Discuss this principle of interpretation with the help of decided cases.

Answer-16

The principle "The Statute should be read as a whole" is a fundamental approach in the interpretation of statutes. This principle ensures that when courts interpret a statute, they do not isolate one provision or section but instead consider the entire statute as an integrated whole. The aim is to ensure that the interpretation of each provision is in harmony with the other provisions and that the statute achieves its overall objective.

Here's a point-wise explanation of the principle with reference to decided cases:

1. Contextual Interpretation

             Explanation: Courts must read the statute in its entirety to understand the context in which specific provisions or words are used. A single provision cannot be interpreted in isolation without considering its place in the larger framework of the statute.

             Case Law: In T. R. Kothandaraman v. S. Rajagopal (1983), the Supreme Court emphasized the need to read the statute in its entirety and not treat individual provisions in isolation.

2. Avoiding Contradictions

             Explanation: The principle helps avoid any contradictions between different provisions of the statute. By interpreting the statute, courts seek a construction that harmonizes all parts of the law.

             Case Law: In State of Rajasthan v. Union of India (1977), the court held that a statute must be read to avoid contradictions and to give effect to all its provisions.

3. Presumption of Consistency

             Explanation: When reading a statute, there is a presumption that all parts of the statute are meant to be consistent with each other. This presumption ensures that the meaning of individual provisions is derived from the whole statute.

             Case Law: In Maxwell v. Director of Public Prosecutions (1960), the English court emphasized that one part of a statute cannot be interpreted in a way that contradicts the rest of the provisions.

4. Holistic Understanding of Legislative Intent

             Explanation: The primary aim of interpreting the statute is to understand the legislative intent. Courts should not focus on one provision but should aim to understand the broader purpose behind the entire statute.

             Case Law: In Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973), the Supreme Court referred to the Constitution as a whole and emphasized that individual provisions should be understood in the context of the document's overall purpose.

5. Grammatical Construction in Conjunction with Purpose

             Explanation: While the grammatical construction of individual provisions is important, it should be done keeping in mind the statute's purpose and overall objective.

             Case Law: In Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. v. State of Bihar (1986), the court observed that the purpose of the statute must be considered along with the textual meaning of its provisions.

6. Interpretation to Fulfill Legislative Purpose

             Explanation: Courts should adopt an interpretation that promotes the legislative purpose. This means that no provision should be interpreted in a way that frustrates the statute's overall intent.

             Case Law: In Union of India v. N. R. Parmar (1986), the court held that an interpretation that nullifies the entire statute's purpose is undesirable.

7. Specific Provisions and General Provisions

             Explanation: The principle also helps in understanding the relationship between general and specific provisions within the statute. A specific provision can override a general provision, but the reading should be done carefully to ensure consistency.

             Case Law: In G.S. Rathi v. Union of India (1983), the court read the entire statute to determine how a specific provision interacted with the general provisions.

8. Incorporating Amendments and Repeals

             Explanation: When a statute undergoes amendments or repeals, these changes must be interpreted considering the entire statute. Courts should read the statute in a way that reflects these changes rather than isolating the amendment or repeal.

             Case Law: In Chiranjit Lal v. Union of India (1950), the Supreme Court explained how amendments should be integrated into the statute to maintain its coherence.

9. Avoiding Narrow or Literal Interpretation

             Explanation: By reading the statute, courts avoid a narrow or overly literal interpretation of individual sections. They adopt an interpretation that ensures the entire statute is consistent and meaningful.

             Case Law: In B. S. Iyer v. State of Kerala (1972), the court rejected a literal interpretation of one section, opting instead for a purposive construction based on the statute.

10. Intent to Avoid Absurdities

             Explanation: When reading a statute in its entirety, courts try to avoid absurd or irrational outcomes. The principle ensures that no part of the statute leads to an illogical result.

             Case Law: In State of Uttar Pradesh v. Mohd. Nooh (1958), the court applied the principle of reading the statute to avoid an absurd result that would have arisen from reading a section in isolation.

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In conclusion, the principle that a statute should be read promotes consistency, clarity, and harmony in the interpretation of statutory provisions. It reflects the need for judicial restraint, ensuring that the courts respect the legislative framework and interpret it in a manner that upholds its intended purpose.

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