Question

Pick the incorrect statement from the following.

• A. Marginal notes to the sections of a statute and the titles of its chapters cannot take away the effect of the provisions contained in the Act so as to render those provisions legislatively incompetent.
• B. The marginal notes or captions are part of legislative exercise and the language employed therein provides the key to the legislative intent.
• C. A term or expression defined under a particular statute has scope but no limits.
• D. When a statute is carefully punctuated and there is doubt about its meaning, a weight should undoubtedly be given to the punctuation.

Hint:

Definitions in statutes set both scope and limits — always check the definition clause.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Rules of interpretation.
- Defined terms have precise boundaries — their “limits” are set by the definition clause. Saying “no limits” contradicts this principle.
Step 2: Evaluate other options.
(a) Correct — marginal notes/titles cannot curtail substantive provisions.
(b) Correct — they may be used as internal aids to interpretation.
(d) Correct — punctuation can aid interpretation when ambiguity exists. \[ \boxed{(c)} \]