“Purposive interpretation in a social amelioration legislation is an imperative, irrespective of anything else. This is eloquently brought out in the case of Atma Ram, (1988) 4 SCC 284. How labour legislations are to be interpreted has been stated and restated by this Court time and again. In Surendra Kumar, (1980) 4 SCC 443, this Court reminded that semantic luxuries are misplaced in the interpretation of ‘bread and butter’ statutes. Welfare statutes must, of necessity, receive a broad interpretation. Where legislation is designed to give relief against certain kinds of mischief, the Court is not to make inroads by making etymological excursions.”
– Hon’ble Justice A.K. Sikri, Lanco Anpara Power Ltd. v. State of Uttar Pradesh, [Civil Appeal No. 6223 of 2016].