Legal Language & Interpretation of Statutes

“Legal Language & Interpretation of Statutes” is an essential resource for understanding how laws are written, interpreted, and applied within the Indian legal system. The book begins with a structured introduction to legal language—its nature, technical expressions, Latin maxims, and the art of precise legal communication. It then delves into the foundational principles of statutory interpretation, providing an in-depth explanation of literal, golden, mischief, harmonious, and beneficial rules of construction. A detailed examination of internal aids (preamble, headings, explanations, provisos) and external aids (legislative history, dictionaries, reports, surrounding circumstances) helps readers understand how courts interpret ambiguous or complex statutes. The book also covers crucial doctrines such as contemporanea expositio, ejusdem generis, noscitur a sociis, and expressio unius est exclusio alterius, supported by leading judgments of the Supreme Court and High Courts. Practical illustrations, chapter-wise examples, and case-based explanations make the text accessible and suitable for both academic and professional use. It equips readers with analytical tools necessary for courtroom practice, legislative analysis, and exam preparation.