Legal Maxims and Judicial Interpretation: A Critical Analysis in the Indian Legal System

Abstract

Law is not merely a collection of statutory provisions but a dynamic instrument for achieving justice. Every legal system depends upon judges to interpret legislation whenever ambiguity, inconsistency, or unforeseen circumstances arise. Since legislatures cannot anticipate every factual situation, judicial interpretation has become indispensable in ensuring that statutes operate effectively and consistently with constitutional values. Judicial interpretation bridges the gap between legislative intent and practical application by applying established principles of legal reasoning to specific disputes.[1]

[1] Herbert Broom, A Selection of Legal Maxims 1–8 (10th ed. 1939).