General Clauses Act, 1897 & 1956

The Interpretative Key: General Clauses Act, 1897 & 1956

The Definitive Guide to Statutory Interpretation

Every legal professional knows that a law is only as clear as the definitions behind it. The General Clauses Act serves as the "dictionary" for the legislature, providing the standard meanings for terms used across the entire body of Pakistani law. This manual consolidates both the federal 1897 Act and the provincial 1956 Act, ensuring that practitioners have a unified reference for interpreting statutes at every level of government.

Why This Manual is a Strategic Necessity

When a specific law is silent on a definition or a procedural rule, the courts turn to the General Clauses Act. This book provides the default rules for how laws are commenced, how periods of time are calculated, and how the repeal of an old law affects ongoing legal proceedings. It is the essential tool for resolving ambiguities and ensuring that legal arguments are grounded in the correct statutory logic.

Key Features & Statutory Coverage

• Universal Definitions: Provides the standard legal meanings for common terms like "person," "document," "year," and "sign," which apply whenever a specific act does not provide its own definition.

• Commencement and Repeal: Detailed rules on when a new law officially takes effect and the legal consequences of repealing or amending existing statutes.

• Computation of Time: Statutory instructions on how to calculate deadlines, including rules for holidays and the "day of the event" exclusions.

• Dual-Act Integration: Combines the General Clauses Act, 1897 (Federal) and the General Clauses Act, 1956 (West Pakistan/Provincial) for a comprehensive jurisdictional view.

• Rule-Making Power: Outlines the legal authority for the government to issue notifications and rules under various acts.

• Gender and Number: Statutory confirmation that, unless otherwise stated, words importing the masculine gender include females and words in the singular include the plural.

Ideal For:

• Legislative Drafters & Policy Makers: The primary benchmark for ensuring new regulations are consistent with established statutory language.

• Superior Court Advocates: An essential resource for crafting winning arguments based on the "intent of the legislature" and statutory construction.

• Civil Servants & Admin Officers: A vital guide for interpreting official notifications and maintaining administrative regularity.

• Legal Scholars & Law Students: The foundational text for mastering the "Rules of Interpretation" required for all advanced legal studies.

About the Publisher

Published by Mansoor Law Book House, the leading authority for authenticated and updated statutory compilations in Lahore. This edition features a vibrant orange cover, making it a standout and easily accessible reference in any busy law library.