Report No. 183

(4) Dictionaries

When a word is not defined in the statute itself, it is permissible to refer to dictionaries to find out the general sense in which that word is understood in common parlance. (See Municipal Board Sarahanpur v. Imperial Tabacco of India Ltd. (1999) 1 SCC 566). However, in the selection of one out of the various meanings of a word, regard must always be had to the scheme, context and legislative history.