NEED AND PURPOSE OF INTERPRETATION OF STATUTES

Interpretation of statutes is a technique of giving the enactment’s words their standard, natural meaning in order to discover the actual meaning of it. It is the method of determining the actual meaning of the statute’s words. Since the courts are not allowed to interpret cases arbitrarily, numerous principles have emerged as a result of their ongoing activities. These guidelines are at times referred to as “rules of interpretation”. There are four rules of interpretation of statutes that have been utilized by courts in the process of interpreting the statutes in various landmark judgements. These are the literal rule of interpretation, mischief rule of interpretation, golden rule of interpretation and the rule of harmonious construction. The literal rule is also known as the plain reading rule, which gives the original, natural and precise meaning of the words used in the statute without any inclusion or replacement of words. The mischief rule is also known as the Heydon’s rule, which aims to determine the mischief and defects in the statute and find out a remedy to cure the mischief and defects of the statute. The golden rule is also known as the British rule, which allows flexibility in the process of interpretation by permitting deviations from the exact meaning of the words that result in absurd outcomes. The rule of harmonious construction is also known as the thumb rule of interpretation, which is used for harmonizing the two provisions of a statute in case of a conflict between them in such a way that neither of their interests are nullified and maximum benefit can be derived from them. Interpretation is a widely recognized activity that holds significant value. The interpretation of laws is essential for comprehending obscure language, executing the law in particular circumstances, to settle conflicts, and upholding uniformity.