LL.B. (Five Years) Sem 9 Interpretation of Statutes Apr 2026 60/40 Question Paper - Mumbai University | munotes

Questions asked in this paper

• N.B: Figures to the right indicate full marks. Give case law or reasons wherever necessary. Please check whether you have got the right question paper.

Q1. Answer the following questions in one or two sentences (Any 6) 12 Marks

1. (a) Distinguish between Substantive and Procedural Laws.
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2. (b) What is meant by Statute?
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3. (c) State and explain the Heydon's rule of Interpretation.
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4. (d) Explain the term "Service by post" under the General Clauses Act.
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5. (e) Name any 2 External aids of Interpretation.
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6. (f) What is the importance of Intention of Legislature while interpreting a statute?
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7. (g) Differentiate between Consolidating and Codifying Statute.
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8. (h) Explain "Noscitur a Sociis".
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9. (i) Explain "Delegatus non potest delegare".
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10. (j) What is a Non-obstante clause.
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Q2. Write Short notes on the following (Any 2) 12 Marks

1. (a) External Aids of Interpretation.
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2. (b) Doctrine of Pith and substance.
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3. (c) Presumption that statutes are Territorial in nature.
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4. (d) Doctrine of Ejusdem Generis
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Q3. Situational Problems (Any 2) 12 Marks

1. (1) According to Section 3(4) of the Lokpal and Lokayukta Act, 2013, the Chairperson or a Member of Lokpal cannot be someone who has been fired or removed from the Union or State's employment.
   • (a) Does this obligation apply to someone who was dismissed from Union Service before 2013?
   • (b) Will an explanation or clarification added by amendment to a statute have a prospective or retrospective effect?
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2. (2) Regarding religious freedom under the Indian Constitution, Article 25(2) permits the state to enact laws pertaining to social welfare and reform, but Article 26 acknowledges the right of religious denominations to conduct their own religious affairs.
   • (a) Identify and describe the rule that will help resolve the issue.
   • (b) What five guidelines did the Supreme Court provide while using this interpretation rule?
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3. (3) The Supreme Court cited the Preamble of the Constitution in Keshavananda Bharti v. State of Kerala while interpreting the phrase "amendment" in Article 368.
   • (a) What role does the preamble play in interpretation?
   • (b) Describe the significance of internal interpretation aids.
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4. (4) A Central Act outlined the offenses, but it did not specify how fines for the offenses were to be recovered.
   • (a) Can this act of 2014 be applied retrospectively without such mention in the statute?
   • (b) Why all the new acts are prospective and not retrospective unless they are so specified?
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Q4. Answer the following in detail (Any 2) 24 Marks

1. (a) Discuss the Golden rule of Interpretation in light of the Joseph Shine v/s. Union of India Case.
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2. (b) What are Penal Statutes? Elucidate the principles governing their interpretation.
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3. (c) Discuss how far Parliamentary Debates and Law Commission Reports are useful as external aid to Interpretation.
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4. (d) What is Repeal of a statute? Elucidate the effects and consequences of Repeal.
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