Unit IV · Interpretation of Statutes

Internal aids: long title, preamble, headings, illustrations, explanation, proviso and punctuation

Study aid only. Confirm statute numbers with the current bare Act and the official OU LL.B. (3-YDC) 2024–25 syllabus PDF.

Statute sections

Act / instrument	Section	Name
General Clauses Act, 1897	3	Definitions
Constitution of India	Preamble	Key to the minds of the framers

AIR 1953 SC 274 · Supreme Court of India

The title and preamble may be used to interpret ambiguous operative words, but they cannot control clear enacting language.

AIR 1981 SC 1922 · Supreme Court of India

A proviso and the speech of the Finance Minister were used as aids to confine section 52(2) of the Income-tax Act to understatement of consideration.

[1957] AC 436 · House of Lords

The preamble is part of the context but cannot restrict unambiguous enacting words.