Doctrine of pari materia
Doctrine of Pari Materia
Meaning of Pari Materia
Pari Materia is a Latin term meaning "on the same subject" or "relating to the same matter." The Doctrine of Pari Materia is a principle of statutory interpretation used by courts to interpret laws.
What is the Doctrine of Pari Materia?
When two or more laws or statutes deal with the same subject matter or have a common purpose, they should be read and interpreted together.
The intention is to give a harmonious and consistent meaning to all the laws on the same subject, avoiding conflict or inconsistency.
This doctrine helps fill gaps and resolve ambiguities by considering related statutes collectively.
When is the Doctrine Applied?
When there are multiple statutes dealing with the same topic.
When there is ambiguity or conflict between provisions in different laws.
To ensure that the legislative intent is properly understood.
To avoid contradictory interpretations that would render a statute ineffective.
How does the Doctrine work?
Courts will look at the statutes in question and interpret them in the context of one another.
The language, object, and purpose of all relevant statutes are considered to find a construction that makes them work together smoothly.
This avoids giving a meaning to one statute that contradicts or nullifies another statute on the same subject.
Important Case Law
1. Golak Nath vs. State of Punjab (1967)
The court applied the doctrine to interpret constitutional provisions and related laws in harmony.
It was held that laws on the same subject must be construed together to maintain consistency.
2. Collector of Customs vs. Nathella Sampathu Chetty (1959)
The court held that when statutes relate to the same matter (pari materia), they must be read as if they form one law.
This helps in interpreting taxing statutes and avoiding conflicting provisions.
3. Union of India vs. Delhi High Court Bar Association (2001)
The court observed that related laws must be construed together to prevent one statute from being rendered ineffective.
It reinforced the idea that legislative intent must be respected by reading laws pari materia.
Summary
The Doctrine of Pari Materia guides courts to interpret laws dealing with the same subject matter together.
It promotes consistency and harmonious construction of statutes.
Helps avoid contradictions and gives effect to the true legislative intent.
Case law supports that related laws should be read as a single, cohesive whole.
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