Interpretation
Article 367 — Interpretation
General Clauses Act, 1897, shall, subject to any adaptations and modifications that may be made therein under article 372, apply for the interpretation of this Constitution as it applies for the interpretation of an Act of the Legislature of the Dominion of India. (2) Any reference in this Constitution to Acts or laws of, or made by, Parliament, or to Acts or laws of, or made by, the Legislature of a State 2***, shall be construed as including a reference to an Ordinance made by the President or, to an Ordinance made by a Governor 3***, as the case may be. (3) For the purposes of this Constitution “foreign State” means any State other than India: Provided that, subject to the provisions of any law made by Parliament, the President may by order4 declare any State not to be a foreign State for such purposes as may be specified in the order. (4) * * * *]
Plain English Summary
This article explains how the Constitution of India should be understood, using the rules set out in the General Clauses Act. It clarifies that references to laws made by Parliament or State Legislatures also include any temporary orders (Ordinances) made by the President or a Governor. Furthermore, it defines what is meant by a "foreign State."
Key Points
- The interpretation of the Constitution follows the rules of the General Clauses Act, 1897.
- References to laws made by Parliament or State Legislatures automatically include any Ordinances made by the President or a Governor.
- A "foreign State" is simply any state that is not India.
- The President can issue an order to change the status of a state regarding this definition.
Why It Matters
This article ensures consistency and clarity when interpreting legal references within the Constitution, making it easier to understand how different levels of government (Central and State) interact under the Constitution.
Landmark Judgements
No major landmark judgements.