Interpretation clauses (also known as definition clauses) are provisions typically included in the early sections of an Act of Parliament or statute. Their purpose is to define specific terms or phrases used throughout the statute to ensure clarity, consistency, and legal precision. These clauses are crucial because they help prevent ambiguity and differing understandings of key words or expressions within the legislation.
They form a part of the internal aids to interpretation, meaning they are located within the statute itself and are directly referred to when interpreting any part of the legislation.
Purpose and Importance of Interpretation Clauses
- Clarifies Meaning: They provide fixed, specific meanings to terms which might otherwise be vague or open to multiple interpretations.
- Promotes Uniformity: Once a term is defined, it is presumed to carry the same meaning throughout the Act, unless the context indicates otherwise.
- Avoids Repetition: Instead of repeating detailed explanations throughout the Act, the drafter can simply refer to the defined term.
- Controls Judicial Interpretation: Courts must normally apply the statutory meaning provided in the interpretation clause, even if it differs from the ordinary or popular meaning.
- Limits or Expands Scope: Interpretation clauses can narrow or broaden the scope of a word (e.g., defining “person” to include a company, firm, or other body).
Kinds of Interpretation Clauses
- Inclusive Definitions: Use the word “includes” to extend the meaning of the term beyond its ordinary sense.
Example: “Vehicle includes a bicycle, tricycle, and motor car.” - Exclusive Definitions: Use the word “means” to limit the meaning strictly to what is mentioned.
Example: “Employee means a person working under a contract of service.” (Others are excluded.) - Explanatory Definitions: Provide further clarification or illustrations to guide understanding.
Example: “Month means a calendar month.” - Deeming Provisions: Use terms like “shall be deemed to mean” to create a legal fiction.
Example: “A person in possession of goods shall be deemed to be the owner.” (Even if not actually the owner.)
Interpretation of Interpretation Clauses by Courts
While interpretation clauses are authoritative, courts may depart from the given meaning if:
- The definition leads to absurd or unjust results.
- The context of a particular provision requires a different interpretation.
- The defined term is used in a different sense in a particular part of the Act.
For example, in Vepa P. Sarathi v. State of Andhra Pradesh (1976), the court held that interpretation clauses must be construed harmoniously with the object and purpose of the Act, and should not be applied blindly where context dictates otherwise.
Example from Indian Legislation
General Clauses Act, 1897:
This Act contains standard definitions and interpretation clauses that apply to all Central Acts and regulations, unless a contrary intention appears.
Example: Section 3(42) of the General Clauses Act defines “person” to include a company, association, or body of individuals, whether incorporated or not.
Limitations of Interpretation Clauses
- Interpretation clauses do not override clear contrary intentions in the statute.
- Courts may ignore or limit their application if applying the defined meaning would defeat the object of the statute.
- If a term is not defined, courts will interpret it using ordinary, legal, or technical meaning based on context.
Code to Remember the Answer – “CLEAR”
| Letter | Stands For | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| C | Clarify Terms | They define key terms to ensure clarity in the law. |
| L | Limits or Expands Scope | Can narrow or broaden meanings using “means”, “includes”, or “deems”. |
| E | Ensures Uniformity | Promotes consistent usage of terms throughout the statute. |
| A | Avoids Repetition | Prevents repetitive wording by defining once and referencing later. |
| R | Respects Context | Courts will consider context when applying interpretation clauses. |