Question

Which of the following statements are correct?
A construction may be put upon the language of the statute which modifies the meaning of the words and even the structure of the sentence, in cases where its ordinary meaning and grammatical construction: -
(i) Leads to a manifest contradiction of the apparent purpose of the enactment.
(ii) Leads to some unintended inconvenience.
(iii) Leads to some unintended absurdity.
(iv) Leads to fulfilment of the apparent purpose of the enactment.

• A. Only (i), (ii), and (iii)
• B. Only (i), (ii), and (iv)
• C. Only (i), (iii), and (iv)
• D. Only (ii), (iii), and (iv)

Hint:

The Golden Rule is a compromise between the Literal Rule and the Mischief Rule.
It is only used when a literal reading would make the law look absurd or self-contradictory.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks about the specific conditions under which a court is legally justified in departing from the literal/grammatical meaning of a statute and modifying its language (often referred to as the Golden Rule of Interpretation).

Step 2: Key Principles and Statutory Provisions:
This relates to the Golden Rule of Interpretation, which allows courts to modify the literal words of a statute to avoid absurdity, contradiction, or manifest injustice.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation and Analysis:

• The Golden Rule states that the grammatical and ordinary sense of words is to be adhered to, unless that would lead to some absurdity, repugnance, or inconsistency with the rest of the instrument.
In such cases, the grammatical sense may be modified to avoid that absurdity or inconsistency, but no further.

• Modification of statutory language is justified if the literal reading:
1. Leads to a manifest contradiction of the apparent purpose of the enactment. (Statement i)
2. Leads to unintended, extreme inconvenience. (Statement ii)
3. Leads to some unintended absurdity or injustice. (Statement iii)

• If the ordinary grammatical construction already leads to the "fulfillment of the apparent purpose" (Statement iv), there is absolutely no need to modify the language.
In fact, the literal meaning must be strictly followed in such cases.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Since statements (i), (ii), and (iii) represent valid grounds for modifying language, the correct option is (A).