Section 9 Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC) – Number

By Vkeel Team



Description

“Section 9 Indian Penal Code 1860 (IPC)”

Unless the contrary appears from the context, words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number.

Interpretation of Words in the IPC

The IPC contains a large number of provisions that define various offences and prescribe punishments for them. The language used in these provisions is often technical and legalistic, and the meanings of the words used may not always be clear. This is where the provision in Section 9 of IPC comes into play.

According to Section 9 of the Indian Penal Code 1860, when a word is used in the singular form in the IPC, it is to be understood as including the plural form of that word. For example, if the IPC refers to “a knife,” it is to be understood as also referring to multiple knives. Similarly, when a word is used in the plural form in the IPC, it is to be understood as also including the singular form of that word. For example, if the IPC refers to “knives,” it is to be understood as also referring to a single knife.

Exceptions to the Provision

However, this provision is subject to an important qualification, which is that the contrary must not appear from the context. In other words, if the context in which a word is used in the IPC suggests that it is intended to have a singular or plural meaning only, then that meaning should be attributed to the word, regardless of the provision in Section 9 of the Indian Penal Code 1860. For example, if the IPC refers to “a mother” in a provision dealing with parental responsibility, it is clear from the context that the provision is only referring to a single mother, and not to multiple mothers.

Purpose of the Provision

The purpose of this provision is to ensure that the language used in the IPC is interpreted in a way that is consistent with its intended meaning. It is designed to prevent confusion and ambiguity in the interpretation of the IPC, and to ensure that the provisions of the IPC are applied in a uniform and consistent manner.

Implications of the Provision

The provision in Section 9 has important implications for the interpretation of the IPC. It means that when interpreting the IPC, it is necessary to take into account the plural and singular meanings of the words used, and to understand that these meanings are interchangeable unless the context suggests otherwise.

The provision also means that the IPC is to be interpreted in a way that is consistent with the principles of justice and fairness. It is designed to ensure that the provisions of the IPC are applied fairly to all persons, regardless of whether they are singular or plural in number.

Conclusion

In summary, the provision in Section 9 of the Indian Penal Code is an important provision that deals with the interpretation of words used in the IPC. It provides that words importing the singular number include the plural number, and words importing the plural number include the singular number, unless the context suggests otherwise. The purpose of this provision is to ensure that the IPC is interpreted in a way that is consistent with its intended meaning, and to prevent confusion and ambiguity in its application.


Desctiption Source: indiacode


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