Vepa P. Sarathi's Interpretation of Statutes

Vepa P. Sarathi’s Interpretation of Statutes, revised by Dama Seshadri Naidu, is an authoritative work that provides a clear understanding of the rules of interpretation of statutes. While discussing all the prevalent rules of interpretation, the author strongly advocates the rule to consider all the material relevant to the enactment, especially travaux preparatoires (preparatory works), and find out precisely what is the object of the Statute. The author goes on to explain the scope and limitations of the other rules of interpretation.

The following are some of the unique features of this book:

• Discussion of the topics is supported by a wealth of authoritative writings of jurists and apt quotations of eminent writers.
• Students will find the work highly readable, and the practitioners will value it as a dependable reference work, especially with respect to retrospective nature, delegated legislation, and pith and substance.
• Updated with recent case laws including a thorough analytical account of the relevant cases, both Indian and foreign.
• The General Clauses Act, of 1897 and a section on legal maxims are given in Appendix I and II, respectively.

The Supreme Court of India has relied on the book in Satyen Bhowmick case, (1981) 2 SCC 109; S. Sundaram Pillai case, (1985) 1 SCC 591; Tata Power Co. Ltd. case, (2009) 16 SCC 659; Calcutta Knitwears case, (2014) 6 SCC 444; Binani Cements case, (2014) 8 SCC 319; Satya Pal Singh case, (2015) 15 SCC 613 and in V. Senthil Balaji case, 2023 SCC OnLine SC 934.

The book will be immensely useful for academicians, jurists, lawyers and judges as well.

Extract from the Foreword

A glance at the contents of the book, and a perusal of its important discussions bear testimony to the industry, diligence, spirit of academic inquiry, objective approach, and thoroughness which have inspired Mr Sarathi’s study of the interpretation of statutes.

- P.B. Gajendragadkar
Former Chief Justice of India

Extract from Appreciation

Mr Sarathi’s method of treatment of the subject makes the book very readable. The several aspects with which Shri Sarathi has dealt with the subject make the book interesting not only to practitioners but to academicians, lawyers, and Judges.

- P. Jaganmohan Reddy
Judge, Supreme Court of India

Reviews

“... a useful source of material for lawyers overseas …”  

- Lawasia, Australia

“... a valuable starting point for inquisitive scholars to make further investigation …” 

- Cochin University Law Review

“... a useful and worthy contribution to the legal profession.”        

- Kerala Law Times

“ … the author’s thinking on the subject in its different aspects is clear; his presentation of arguments is precise and his style is simple and direct.”

- P.B. Gajendragadkar
Former Chief Justice of India

• Introduction
• General Rules of Interpretation
• Presumptions
• Internal Aids
• External Aids
• Retrospective Effect of Statutes
• Repeals and Temporary Statutes
• Taxing Statutes
• Penal and Remedial Statutes
• Delegated Legislation
• Miscellaneous
• Interpretation of the Constitution
• Legislative Drafting

Appendices

• General Clauses Act, 1897
• Maxims

Subject Index