Report No. 60
2.5. Aids to interpretation.-
In this process of interpretation, several aids are used. They may be statutory or non-statutory. The former category (statutory aids) is illustrated by the General Clauses Act, and by specific definitions contained in individual Acts, as also by certain provisions of a general nature which are, for example, contained in the Indian Penal Code1, and are relevant to the construction of penal enactments. The latter is illustrated by common law rules of interpretation (including certain presumptions relating to interpretation), and also by case-law relating to the interpretation of statutes. Holland2 has dealt with the function of interpretation at length. For the present purpose, it is sufficient to mention that he has drawn a clear distinction between "authentic" interpretation on the one hand and other aids to interpretation, on the other hand.
1. Chapters 2 to 4, Indian Penal Code.
2. Holland on Jurisprudence.
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