⚖️ Interpretation of Statutes – Part 2 📚

Delhi Law Academy Jaipur presents below for aspirants of Rajasthan Judicial Service (RJS)
an insight into a very important subject of their syllabus, useful for preparing the right way for the upcoming RJS Exam 2026.

(i) Principle of Ejusdem Generis 🎯

Ejusdem Generis: of the same kind ✍️

Where in a statute particular and specific words are followed by general words, the general words must be confined to things of the same kind as those specified.

This rule of construction must be applied with caution ⚠️ subject to the primary rule that statutes are to be construed in accordance with the intention of Parliament.

📌 Lilavati Bai v. State of Bombay

The rule of ejusdem generis is intended to be applied where general words have been used following particular and specific words of the same nature.

The legislature is presumed to use the general words in a restricted sense, as belonging to the same genus as the particular and specific words.

Conditions for application ✅

• the statute contains an enumeration by specific words
• the members of the enumeration constitute a class
• the class is not exhausted by the enumeration
• a general term follows the enumeration
• there is no clear intent that the general term has a broader meaning

Note: The ejusdem generis rule is not a rule of law but only a tool of construction to aid courts in finding the legislature’s true intent.

📌 Jagdish Chandra Gupta v. Kajaria Traders [1964 SC]

Section 69(3) Partnership Act – The words “other proceeding” must receive their full meaning and cannot be limited by “claim of set-off”.

It follows that interpretation ejusdem generis need not always be applied whenever specific words are followed by general words.

📌 Allen v. Emersons [1944 KB]

Illustration – “books, pamphlets, newspapers and other documents” → private letters may not be included (ejusdem generis).

But: “newspapers or other document likely to convey secrets to the enemy” → here, “other document” includes all types of documents (not ejusdem generis).

📌 Calcutta Municipal Corporation v. East India Hotels [1996 SC]

“No person shall keep open any theatre, circus, cinema house, dancing hall or other similar place of public resort…”

(ii) The Principle of Noscitur a Sociis 📖

Noscitur a sociis: recognised by its partners 👥

The meaning of a word must be judged by the company it keeps.

📌 Example – Section 2(j) Industrial Disputes Act

• “industry” means any business, trade, undertaking, manufacture or calling of employers
• includes any calling, service, employment, handicraft, or industrial occupation of workmen

📌 Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa [1978 SC]

“Undertaking” cannot be stretched to mean meditation or mushaira. It must be read in the restricted sense, alongside trade or business.

Difference between Ejusdem Generis & Noscitur a Sociis ⚖️

Ejusdem Generis → used for interpreting loosely written statutes.

Noscitur a Sociis → used for interpreting questionable words. Broader than ejusdem generis.

Topic 3: Intrinsic/Internal Aids to Interpretation 📝

📌 Manoharlal v. State of Punjab [1961 SC]

Parts of statute which have interpretative role include:

• Language, phraseology, clauses and punctuation
• Titles, preambles, headings, chapters
• Explanations, exceptions, provisos, schedules
• Defining expressions: ‘means’, ‘includes’, etc.
• Phrases like ‘without prejudice to the generality of…’

Topic 4: Extrinsic/External Aids to Interpretation 🌍

• Role of Constituent Assembly debates
• Legislative history, debates, committee reports
• International law and human rights documents

📌 Shashikant Laxman Kale v. Union of India [1990 SC]

For determining the purpose or object of the legislation, it is permissible to look into the circumstances which prevailed at the time when the law was made.

The Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill which actuated the step to provide a remedy for the then existing malady can be used for the limited purpose of appreciating the background and the antecedent state of affairs leading to the legislation.

The memorandum explaining the provisions in the Finance Bill which were not part of the ‘notes on clauses‘ appended to the Statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill cannot be used to draw support therefrom as it is not an accurate guide of the final Act.

Sequence of Aids (Crawford) 🔍

1. First → The first source from which the legislative intent is to be sought is the words of the statute.
2. Second → Then an examination should be made of the context, and the subject matter and purpose of the enactment
3. Third → After exhaustion of all intrinsic aids, if the legislative intent is still obscure, it is proper for the court to consult the several extrinsic matters for further assistance
4. Fourth → And during consideration of the various sources of assistance, further help may, of course, be found on the use of the numerous rules of construction.

📚 Further Reading for Law Aspirants

Explore more useful resources from Delhi Law Academy to strengthen your preparation:

• 
  📖 Complete Study Material for Judiciary Exams
  
  📰Legal Blogs & Landmark Supreme Court Judgments
  
  🌍Monthly Current Affairs for Judiciary
  
  🎓Online & Classroom Courses for Judicial Services