AIR 2002 SUPREME COURT 391 ::2001 AIR SCW 5197 ::(2002) 139 ELT 6 ::(2001) 94 DLT 662 ::2002 (2) SCC 95 ::(2001) 8 Scale 73 ::2001 (8) Supreme 138 ::(2002) SC Cr R 359 ::(2001) 9 JT 544 (SC) ::2001 (9) JT 544

Supreme Court Of India

(From : Delhi High Court)

Hon'ble Judge(s): R. P. Sethi, Y. K. Sabharwal , JJ

(A)Interpretation of Statutes-Harmonious construction - Efforts should be made that each provision in statute will have its play - Consequences likely to flow from intended interpretation - Should be considered by Court. While interpreting a statute the Court should try to sustain its validity and give such meaning to the provisions which advance the object sought to be achieved by the enactment. The Court cannot approach the enactment with a view to pick holes or to search for defects of drafting which make its working impossible. It is a cardinal principle of construction of a statute that effort should be made in construing the different provisions so that each provision will have its play and in the event of any conflict a harmonious construction should be given. The well-known principle of harmonious construction is that effect shall be given to all the provisions and for that any provision of the statute should be construed with reference to the other provisions so as to make it workable. A particular provision cannot be picked up and interpreted to defeat another provision made in that behalf under the statute. It is the duty of the Court to make such construction of a statute which shall suppress the mischief and advance the remedy. While interpreting a statute the Courts are required to keep in mind the consequences which are likely to flow upon the....