Interpretation of statutes

--- Literal construction --- Ordinary and natural meaning --- Scope --- In interpreting a statute and determining the significance of its expressions, words, and legal effect, which is ultimately a question of law, our starting point must always be the words of the statute itself --- The rationale for beginning with the ordinary and natural meaning of the statutory language is that legislation is often drafted to address specific situations in clear and straightforward terms --- In such instances, the words used are precise and are not intended to extend beyond their plain scope or to be expanded into broader contexts --- Since the primary objective of statutory interpretation is to ascertain the intention of the lawmaker, the most appropriate and reliable method is to commence with the ordinary and clear meaning of the words used.

--- Literal construction --- Ordinary and natural meaning --- Scope --- Where the language of the legislature is express and unequivocal, the courts are not at liberty to qualify, dilute, or contradict it.

--- Beneficial legislation --- Scope --- The terminology “beneficial legislation” allude to the laws, rules or regulations premeditated to vouch for the well-being of individuals and the populace --- The Courts are obligated to interpret such laws, rules and regulations moderately and judiciously to make sure that the objectives of such legislation are enforced and implemented pragmatically --- In order to achieve this task and safeguard the underlying principle, a dynamic, purpose oriented and liberal approach is inevitable to augment its end result --- Even if a word or provision of any beneficial legislation may be interpreted in two ways that one protects and conserves the benefit but one does not or it allows diverse interpretations, then the dominant option is to pick and choose the interpretation which prospers and withstands the benefit rather than deprive it --- One more important principle that cannot be lost sight of is that the philosophy of beneficial interpretation indoctrinates farther than extended connotation to the words of such beneficial provisions if such an interpretation brings into line with the legislative intent and primary objectives --- It is also well-known precept of beneficial construction that it should be interpreted with proactive and dynamic approach to sync and live up to primary intended raison d'être --- In order to achieve its inner self, the beneficial provision should be interpreted to shield the rudimentary aspiration which is in fact an empathy of beneficial construction with generous approach and reading it with widest conceivable denotation to protect the interests of the beneficiaries of beneficial statute/provision --- At times, statutes do not assimilate every situation coherently and in such scenario, the tool of beneficial construction allows the judges to alleviate the incongruences but without varying its quintessence.

--- Special law --- Generalia specialibus non derogant --- Scope --- A special law overrides the general law --- Where the legislature, in its wisdom, enacts a special statute to address a particular mischief or to provide a distinct procedural or substantive framework, such special enactment must prevail in the event of any inconsistency or overlap with the general law --- This rule, grounded in the maxim generalia specialibus non derogant, has repeatedly been affirmed by Supreme Court.

--- Principle of redundancy --- Scope --- Wording used in the statute should be given effective meaning and should not be made redundant.