An Overview on Rules of Interpretation with special reference to Golden Rule

The golden rule of interpretation is a variation of the literal rule of interpretation. While the literal rule focuses on the exact meaning of the words in legal language, the golden rule interprets the words to avoid absurdities and inconsistencies that may arise from a literal interpretation. The golden rule alters both the language and grammar of the words used in statutes and other interpretative documents, thereby giving the intended meaning of the words. This paper will deal with critically analyzation of the golden rule of Interpretation. The paper is divided into five parts. In Part I, this paper deal with a brief introduction of the golden rule. Part II proceeds with the history and evolution of the golden rule and in Part III this paper will discuss the advantage and disadvantage of golden rule. In Part IV it throws light on the application of golden rule of interpretation of statute in India and in Part V, this paper will talk about the Criticism of the Golden Rule of Interpretation of Statutes.