Sussex Peerage Case
(1844) 11 Cl & Fin 85 · House of Lords
If the words of a statute are clear and unambiguous they must be followed even if the result seems inconvenient.
Unit I · Interpretation of Statutes
Literal (plain meaning) rule
Study aid only. Confirm statute numbers with the current bare Act and the official OU LL.B. (3-YDC) 2024–25 syllabus PDF.
Statute sections
| Act / instrument | Section | Name |
|---|---|---|
| General Clauses Act, 1897 | 3 | Definitions for Central Acts |
| General Clauses Act, 1897 | 13 | Gender and number |
| Constitution of India | 245 | Extent of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States |
Landmark cases
Gurudevdatta VKSSS Maryadit v. State of Maharashtra
AIR 2001 SC 1980 · Supreme Court of India
When language is plain, the court cannot recast it on a priori notions of policy.
Crawford v. Spooner
(1846) 6 Moore PC 1 · Privy Council
The court cannot fill gaps by adding words the legislature has not used.
Previous-year questions
Mapped 6 / 10 / 15-mark questions on this topic. Frequency is how many papers repeat the question.
- 6 Meaning of Statutes. · 4×
- 6 Meaning of interpretation. · 4×
- 6 Literal rule. · 2×
- 10 The term "consumer" is defined under the consumer protection act. However, the problems arose as to whether as student falls within the meaning of expression "Consumer". IN such a case, what type of interpretation is preferable? Discuss. · 2×
- 10 Sale of Green ginger were subjected to sales tax and it was contended that they were not so liable as they constituted 'Vegetables', which were exempted from sales tax. The expression 'vegetable' is not defined in the Act. Decide whether green ginger falls within the meaning of the term 'vegetables' or not. · 2×
- 6 Literal Rule of Interpretation. · 1×
- 6 Plain meaning rule. · 1×
- 10 "A statute is not passed in a vacuum but in a framework of circumstances so as to give a remedy for a known state of affairs. To arrive at its meaning one should know the circumstances with reference to which the words were used and what was the object appearing from those circumstances which the punishment has in view." Make a critical appraisal of the above in the light of Heydon's rule as applied to the interpretation of statutes. · 1×
- 10 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? · 1×
- 15 State the meaning, object and scope of 'interpretation' and 'construction'. · 1×
- 15 What is the Golden Rule of Interpretation? Distinguish between 'Literal Rule' and 'Golden Rule'. · 1×
- 15 What is the term 'consumer' as defined under the Consumer Protection Act? However, the problems arose as to whether a student falls within the meaning of the expression 'Consumer'. In such a case, what type of interpretation is preferable? Why? · 1×
- 15 Literal or Grammatical Rule is said to be the safest rule of interpretation. Clarify with the help of decided cases. · 1×
- 15 Examine the strengths and weaknesses of literal interpretation of statutes. · 1×