The interpretation of statutes is one of the most fundamental and essential functions performed by the judiciary. Statutes, being expressions of legislative will, often use language that may be ambiguous, general, or susceptible to more than one meaning. It is, therefore, the task of the courts to interpret such statutory provisions in a manner that gives effect to the intention of the legislature and furthers the object of the law.
In this process of interpretation, various rules and principles have evolved over time — the Literal Rule, the Golden Rule, the Mischief Rule, and the Purposive Rule. Among these, the Purposive Rule of Interpretation has gained paramount importance in modern times, particularly in the context of a welfare-oriented and constitutional democracy like India.