Means And Includes - Definition - Law Dictionary Home Dictionary Definition means-and-includes

Definition :

Means and includes, The definition which consists of two separate parts which specify what the expression means and also what it includes is obviously meant to be exhaustive. As Lord Watson observed in Dilworth v. Commissioner of Stamps, 1899 AC 99. The word 'include' is very generally used in interpretation clauses in order to enlarge the meaning of words or phrases occurring in the body of the statute, Mahalakshmi Oil Mills v. State of Andhra Pradesh, AIR 1989 SC 335: (1989) 1 SCC 164: (1988) Supp 2 SCR 1088.

(ii) A particular expression is often defined by the Legislature by using the word 'means' or the word 'includes'. Sometimes the words 'means and includes' are used. The use of the word 'means' indicates that 'definition is a hard-and-fast definition, and no other meaning can be assigned to the expression than is put down in definition'. The word 'includes' when used, enlarges the meaning of the expression defined so as to comprehend not only such things as they signify according to their natural import but also those things which the clause declares that they shall include. The words 'means and includes', on the other hand, indicate 'an exhaustive explanation of the meaning which, for the purposes of the Act, must invariably be attached to these words or expressions', P. Kasilingam v. P.S.G. College of Technology, AIR 1995 SC 1395 (1400): (1995) Supp 2 SCC 348. [T.N. Prirate College (Regulation), Rules, 1976, R. 2(b)]

(iii) Where the legislature uses the words 'means' and 'includes' such definition is to be given a wider meaning and is not exhaustive or restricted to the items contained or included in such definition, Krishi UtpadanMandi Samiti v. Shankar Industries, (1993) Supp (3) SCC 361(1).

--A particular expression is often defined by the legislature by using the word 'means' or the word 'includes'. Sometimes the words means and includes' are used. The use of the word 'means' indicates that the definition is a 'hard and fast' definition and no other meaning can be assigned to the expression than is put down in definition, ICICI Bank v. Conventry Coil-o-Matic (Haryana) Ltd., (2006) 130 Comp Cas 289.