Tolaram Relumal v. State of Bombay
AIR 1954 SC 496 · Supreme Court of India
Penal statutes are construed strictly; if two reasonable constructions are possible, the one favouring the accused is preferred.
Unit III · Interpretation of Statutes
Penal, fiscal and beneficial (welfare) construction
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 | 26 | Offences under two or more enactments |
| Constitution of India | 20(1) | Protection against ex post facto criminal law |
Landmark cases
K.P. Varghese v. Income-tax Officer
AIR 1981 SC 1922 · Supreme Court of India
A fiscal provision aimed at tax evasion was read purposively; a rigid literal reading that produced unjust results was rejected.
Workmen of Dimakuchi Tea Estate v. Management of Dimakuchi Tea Estate
AIR 1958 SC 353 · Supreme Court of India
Beneficial labour statutes receive a liberal construction to suppress the mischief and advance the remedy.