Interpretation of Local Statutes by High Courts / The Revival of Ray LXII

Posted on by Rudrajyoti Nath Ray

Where a High Court construes a local statute, ordinarily deference must be given to High Court Judgments in interpreting such a statute, particularly when they have stood the test of time [State of Gujarat v. Zinabhai Ranchhodji Darji, (1972) 1 SCC 233 at Paragraph 10; Bishamber Dass Kohli v. Satya Bhalla, (1993) 1 SCC 566 at Paragraph 11; Duroflex Coir Industries Ltd. v. CST, 1993 Supp (1) SCC 568 at Paragraph 2; State of Karnataka v. G. Seenappa, 1993 Supp (1) SCC 648 at Paragraph 3 and Bonam Satyavathi v. Addala Raghavulu, 1994 Supp (2) SCC 556 at Paragraph 4].

– Hon’ble Justice R.F. Nariman, Govt. of Kerala v. Mother Superior Adoration Convent, [Civil Appeal No. 202 of 2012].

'The Last Word' seeks to include not only wise and witty sayings but also curiosities. These words are not of obligation but of delight. I am not alone in my refusal to believe, law is tedious. For all who escaped these percipient eyes, mea culpa maxima. History, after all, has many cunning passages, contrived corridors and issues.