Noscitur a Sociis is a Latin maxim that means “a word is known by the company it keeps.” In statutory interpretation, this principle implies that the meaning of a word should be understood in the context of the words surrounding it. It is based on the idea that associated words in a sentence or group often share a common theme or purpose, and thus help in clarifying each other’s meaning.
When a word in a statute is vague, ambiguous, or has multiple meanings, courts look at the context provided by adjoining words to determine its intended meaning. This approach prevents the isolation of a word from its context and avoids interpretations that may be grammatically correct but legally inappropriate or unreasonable.
The principle is particularly useful when a statute uses general words following specific ones, and the general word’s meaning is unclear. In such cases, the general word takes its meaning from the more specific words that precede or follow it.
Application:
Courts use Noscitur a Sociis to ensure that each word in a statute is interpreted harmoniously, in a manner consistent with the surrounding language. This helps to avoid absurd results, and supports the broader objective of understanding the legislative intent.
However, this rule applies only when the surrounding words provide a clear and consistent context. If the associated words are themselves vague or unrelated, this rule may not be helpful.
Example:
If a statute refers to “cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles,” and the question arises whether an airplane is included under “other vehicles,” the principle of Noscitur a Sociis would suggest that “other vehicles” refers to land-based transport (like cars and motorcycles), and not to aircraft.
Another common example is the phrase: “houses, buildings, and structures.” Here, “structures” would likely be interpreted to mean built constructions similar in nature to houses and buildings, and not things like tents or fences.
Judicial Interpretation:
In the case of RBI v. Peerless General Finance & Investment Co. Ltd. (1987), the Supreme Court of India held that interpretation must derive meaning from the context in which a word appears, and Noscitur a Sociis helps prevent a word from being misunderstood in isolation.
Code to Remember the Answer: “WORD”
| Letter | Stands For | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| W | Word in Context | A word must be understood through its context. |
| O | Other Words Guide | Associated words help determine meaning. |
| R | Read Harmoniously | Words should be read in a way that supports a consistent interpretation. |
| D | Don’t Read in Isolation | Avoid isolating words from their surrounding terms. |