Osmania University · Faculty of Law
Interpretation of Statutes · September 2021
September 2021 · Interpretation of Statutes · Semester 4
FACULTY OF LAW
LL.B. (3 YDC) / LL.B. (3 YDC) (Honours) II - Year IV - Semester Examination, September 2021
Subject: LAW
PAPER - III: INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES
Code: 727 | Time: 2 Hours | Max. Marks: 80
PART - A (4 x 10 = 40 Marks) [Note: one of the eight short-note topics was not clearly legible in
the source photograph and has been omitted.] — Answer any FOUR of the following:
1. Definition of Statute.
2. Meaning of Interpretation.
3. Mischief Rule.
4. Implied Repeal.
5. Ejusdem Generis.
6. Preamble.
PART - B (1 x 20 = 20 Marks) — Answer any ONE of the following:
9. What are the general rules of construction under the General Clauses Act, 1897?
10. What is Golden Rule of Interpretation?
11. What are external aids to the interpretation of Statutes?
12. Distinguish between methods on interpreting substantive and procedural laws.
PART - C (1 x 20 = 20 Marks) — Answer any ONE of the following:
13. The Parliament enacted the State Offences Act prohibiting solicitations by prostitutes at public
places. Thereafter, prostitutes solicited by passers from balconies or windows of their houses. Are
they guilty of committing street offence? What type of interpretation is appropriate in such a case?
Discuss.
14. An expression in the penal statute is capable of being interpreted with two different meanings.
If a narrow or restricted meaning is given, it would result in acquittal of the accused. If a wider or
extended meaning is given, it would result in conviction of the accused. What type of interpretation
do you prefer? Why?
15. The expression 'Consumer' is defined under the Consumer Protection Act. A question arose
before the court whether a student is a consumer or not. If strict interpretation is followed, the
student cannot avail relief under the said Act. If beneficial construction is followed, the student can
claim remedy under the CP Act. What type of construction is preferable? Give reasons.
16. An Act was passed by the Parliament and was brought into operation with effect from 1st
January, 2015. Mr. X violated the provisions of the Act and was charged for committing an offence
punishable under the said Act in December 2017. When the case was pending in the criminal court,
the said Act was repealed with effect from 1st January, 2019. What is the effect of repeal on the
pending trial? Discuss.