The General Clauses Act, 1897

Act No. X of 18971

Enacted:

Latest amendment made by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (Ordinance No. XXVII of 1981).

Content

Sections



Footnotes

1 For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Gazette of India, 1897, Pt. V, p. 38; for Report of the Select Committee, see ibid., p. 77; and for Proceedings in Council, see ibid. Pt. VI, pp. 35, 40, 56 and 76. This Act has been declared to be in force in Baluchistan by the British Baluchistan Laws Regulation, 1913 (2 of 1913). It has been applied to Phulera in the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal to the extent the Act is applicable in the N.W.F.P., subject to certain modi-fications; and also extended to the Excluded Area of Upper Tanawal (N.W.F.P.) other than Phulera with effect from such date and subject to such modifications as may be notified, see N.W.F.P. (Upper Tanawal) (Excluded Area) Laws Regulation, 1950.. It has also been extended to the Leased Areas of Baluchistan, see the Leased Areas (Laws) Order, 1950 (G.G.O.3 of 1950); and applied in the Federated Areas of Baluchistan, see Gazette of India, 1937, Pt. I, p. 1499. The Act has been extended to the whole of Pakistan and shall be deemed to have been so extended on the 14th day of October, 1955, see the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and Second Sch. The provisions of this Act have been extended to the Special Areas of West Pakistan by West Pakistan Regulation No.1 of 1961 (with effect.from the

2 th September, 1961).

3 The word “and” in sub-section (1) and the whole of sub-section (2) rep. by the Repealing & and Amending Act. 1914 (10 of 1914), s. 3 and Sch. II.

4 Subs. by.A. 0. 1937. for “Acts of the G.G. in C.”.

5 C1. (1a) as amended by A. 0., 1949, Sch., has been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration), Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981) s. 3 and

6 nd Sch.

7 Cls. (3a) and (3b) as amended by Act 10 of 1914, s. 2 and Sch. I, Act 24 of 1917, s. 2 and Sch. I, Act 18 of 1928, s. 2 and Sch. I, A.O., 1937, and Ord. 21 of 1960, s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (w.e.f. 14th October, 1955), has been omitted by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

8 Subs.and added by F. A. 0., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch.

9 El. (3d) omitted by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and Sch. II.

10 C1. (5) as amended by Act 10 of1914, s. 2 and Sch. I and Act 24 of 1917, s. 2 and Sch. I, has been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981, (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

11 C1. (5a) relating to “Berar”, which was ins. by A.O., 1937, rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

12 Cl. (5b) relating to “Bihar and Orissa Act”, which was first ins. as c1. (5a) by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (10 of 1914), s. 2 and Sch. I and then re-numbered as c1. (5b) by A. 0., 1937, rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951, (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

13 CI. (5c) which was ins. by A. 0., 1937, rep. by Act. 26 of 1951, s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

14 CI. (6) as amended by various enactments has been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declarations) Ordinance, 1981, (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

15 Subs. by A.O., 1937, for the original clause (7).

16 I.e., the 1st April, 1937.

17 Ins. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947).

18 Cl. (8a) relating to “Burma Act” which was ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (1 of 1903), s. 3 and Sch. II, rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

19 Ins. by A. 0., 1937.

20 The words and figures “or section 44 of the Government of India Act, 1935” omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing PakistanLaws) Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947).

21 Subs. ibid., for clause (8ab), which had been ins. by A. 0., 1937.

22 Subs. by F.A.O., 1975 for Art. 2 and Table for, “Central Government”

23 i.e., the 1st April, 1937

24 The word “and” omitted by A. 0., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

25 The words “or to be done” omitted ibid. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

26 Ins. ibid. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

27 Ins. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and Second Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955).

28 Sub,. by A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and Sch., for the full stop (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

29 Omitted, subs. and added by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch.

30 Subs.-clause (d) ins. by A.O., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

31 Subs and Added by F.A.O., 1975, Art.2 and Sch.

32 CI. (8ac) ins. by A. 0., 1937.

33 Certain words ins, by A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

34 Ins. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

35 Ins. by F. A. 0., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch.

36 Cl. (8b) relating to “Central Provinces Act” which was ins. by the Second Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (17 of 1914), s. 2 and Sch. I, rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

37 CI. (8c) relating to “Central Provinces and Berar Act”, which was ins. by A. 0.,1937, rep. by Act 26 of 1951, s. 3, and II Sch.

38 Subs. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for (9a), which was first ins. by A. 0., 1937 and subsequently amended by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947), Act 26 of 1951, s.3 and 2nd Sch., the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance,1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and sch; and the Repealing and Amending Ordinance, 1961 (1 of 1961), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

39 Subs. by The General Clauses (Amdt.) Ordinance, 2001(Ord. No. XXXVI of 2001), s. 2. Except in Islamabad Capital territory where it shall come into force on such date as the Federal Government may, by notification in the official Gazette, Specify. Ord. 36 of 2001, s. 2 (w.e.f. 14-08-2001).

40 Clause (11) relating to “colony”, which was amended by various enactments have been omitted by Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981, (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

41 See section 5 on page 458, infra.

42 Omitted by The General Clauses (Amdt.) Ordinance, 2001(Ord. No. XXXVI of 2001), s.2 (w.e.f 14-08-01).

43 Cl. (13a) ins. by A.0., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

44 Subs. by F.A.0, 1975, Art. 2 and Sch., for “eighth day of June, 1962” which was previously subs. by A.0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.,for “twenty third day of March, 1956”, to read as above.

45 Cf. the Consular Salaries and Fees Act, 1891 (54 & 55 Vict., c. 36), s.3.

46 Cls. (l4a) (14b) (l4c), (14d), (14e), (14f) and (14g), which were first ins. by A.0., 1937, and then amended by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947), Sch., omitted by A.0., 1961 Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

47 Clauses (16a), (16b) and (16c) which were ins. by Act 10 of 1914, G.G.O. 20 of 1947 and A.0., 1961 respectively, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 981), s.3. and 2nd Sch.

48 The word “Madras” omitted by G.G.O. 20 of 1947, Sch.

49 Clauses (18a) and (18b) relating to “Federal Government,” and “Federal Railway Authority” respectively omitted ibid.

50 Subs. by the General Clauses (Amdt.) Ordinance, 1959 (14 of 1959), [section 2, for the original clause 19.

51 Cf. the Pakistan Penal Code (Act 45 of 1860), s. 52, the Bills of Exchange Act. 1882 (45 & 46 Vict., c. 61), s. 90, and the Sale of Goods Act,1893 (56 & 57 Viet., c. 71, s. 62). For discussion in Council regarding this clause, see Gazette of India, 1897, Part VI, pp. 56 to 62 and 76 to 79.

52 Subs. by A.O., 1937, for the original definition.

53 Subs. by F.A.0.,1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

54 Cl. (21a) to (24) previously amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

55 Subs. by G.G.O. 20 of 1947, Sch., for clause (27) which had been subs. for the original clause by A. 0., 1937.

56 Ins. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and Second Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955).

57 CI. (27a) relating to “Indian Law”, which was ins. by A. 0., 1937, omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947).

58 Clauses (27b) and (27c) previously amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

59 CI. (29) defining “L. G.”, rep. by A.O., 1937 and cl. (30) defining “Madras Act” rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

60 CI, (34a1). ins. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955).

61 Subs. and added by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch.

62 Ins. by A.0., 1937.

63 Clause (35) defining “North-Western Provinces and Oudh Act” rep. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and

64 nd Sch.

65 Ins. by A. O., 1937.

66 Subs. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947), Sch., for “India”.

67 Clause (37b) which was originally ins. by G.G.O. 20 of 1947 and subsequently Subs. by A. 0.,1961, Art. 2 and Sch. have been subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

68 Cl. (37b) relating to “Orrisa Act” omitted by the General Clauses (Arndt.) Act, 1951 (27 of 1951), s. 2 (with effect from the 14th August, 1947).

69 Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), for clause (40), which was ins. by A.O., 1949, Sch. [The original clause (40) as amended by A. 0., 1937, had been omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947), Sch.]

70 Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

71 Subs. ibid., Art. 2 and Sch., for “or 1eased areas”.

72 Ins. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch.

73 Subs. ibid, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

74 Subs. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Special Areas”.

75 CI. (41) defining “Presidency town” omitted by G.G.O. 20 of 1947 Sch.

76 Clauses (42) and (43) which were amended by A. 0., 1937, Ord. 21 of 1960, A. 0., 1961, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), S. 3 and 2nd Sch.

77 Ins. by A. 0., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March,1956).

78 Ins. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

79 Subs. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.0. 20 of 1947), Sch., for the. clause (43a), which was ins. by A. 0., 1937.

80 Subs. by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s.3 and 2nd Sch., for sub-clause (a) (with effect from the 14th October. 1955) *The Chief Administrator to be Provincial Government in respect Islamabad Capital Territory, Please see S.R.O 1316 (I)/80, dated 31-12-1980, read with P.O. 18 of 1980.

81 Ins.by F.A.O, 1975, Art.2 and Sch.

82 Subs.ibid, Art.2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

83 Subs. by A.O., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch., for “vests in the Governor General” (with effect from the 23rd March, 1956).

84 Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government “.

85 Ins. ibid., Art. 2 and Sch.

86 Ins. by the General Clauses (Amdt.) Ord., 1979 (32 of 1979), s. 2.

87 I.e., the 1st April, 1937.

88 C1s. (44al) and (44a) which were amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981, (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

89 Subs. by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G.G.O. 20 of 1947), Sch., for “British India”.

90 Subs.by F.A.O,1975, Art 2 and Table for “Central Government”

91 Ins. by A.0., 1937.

92 Subs. by F.A.O., 1975 Art. 2 and Table, for “Central Government”.

93 Added by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917), s. 2 and Sch. I.

94 Ins., by Act 18 of 1928, s. 2 and Sch. I.

95 Ins. by A. 0., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

96 Subs. and added by F.A.O., 1975 Art. 2 and Sch.

97 This clause was first amended by the Central Laws (Statute Reform) Ordinance, 1960 (21 of 1960), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955) and then revived, retrospectively by the Repealing and Amending Ordinance, 1961 (l of 1961), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

98 Cls. (52al) and (52a) which were ins. by A. 0., 1937 and Ord. 21 of 1960 and amended by F.A.O., 1975, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

99 Cl. (53a), relating to “Special Areas” which was ins., by Ord. 21 of 1960, s. 3 and 2nd Sch. (with effect from the 14th October, 1955), has been omitted by A. 0.,1964, Art. 2 and Sch.

100 Clause (54a), which was ins. by A. 0.,1937 and subs. by A. 0., 1961, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981). s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

101 Clause (55a) defining “United Provinces Act” which was originally ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (I of 1903), s. 3, Sch. II, repealed by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Act, 1951 (26 of 1951), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., and again ins by A.O., 1964, Art. 2 and Sch., have been subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch.

102 Cf. s. 742 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (57 & 58 Vict., c. 60). This definition supplements the definition of ship in clause (51), supra. See also definition of vessel in s. 48 of the Pakistan Penal Code (Act 45 of 1860), and in s. 3 (4) of the Canal and Drainage Act, 1873 (8 of 1873) and ins. 2 (g) of the Customs Act, 1969 (4 of 1969).

103 CIs. (56a) and (56aa) which were ins. by G.G.O. 20 of 1947 and Ord. 21 of 1960 respectively, have been omitted by Ord. 27 of 1981, s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

104 Cf. the definition of “will “ in section 2 of the Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925).

105 Cf. s. 20 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict., c. 63).

106 The words “British India”, “G. of I.”, “High Court” and “L. G.” rep. by A.O.,1937.

107 The words “Her Majesty” or the Queen' rep. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1919 (18 pf 1919), s. 3 and Sch. II.

108 Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “Acts of the G.G in C.”.

109 Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “Acts of the G. G. in C.”.

110 Ins. ibid.

111 Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for sub-section (1), which was pre-viously amended by various enactments.

112 Subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Sch., for “Central Government”.

113 Sub-sections (2) and (3) which were amended by various enactments have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981) s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

114 Subs. by A. O., 1961, Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March,1956), for the original sub-section (1), as amended by A. O., 1937.

115 Sub-section (2), which was first subs. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917), s. 2 and Sch. I, and then amended by A. O., 1937 and the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G.O. 20 of 1947), Sch., omitted by A. O., 1961. Art. 2 and Sch. (with effect from the 23rd March,.1956).

116 Subs. by A. O., 1937. for “Act of the G.G. in C.”.

117 S. 5A was ins. by A. O., 1937.

118 Ins. by the General Clauses (Amdt.) Act, 1936 (19 of 1936), s. 2.

119 Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”.

120 Cf, s. 11 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict., c. 63).

121 Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “Acts of the G. G. in C.”.

122 The original s. 8 was renumbered as sub-section (1) of that section by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1919(18 of 1919), s. 2 and Sch. I.

123 Cf, s. 38 (1) of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 &53 Vict., c. 63).

124 Sub-section (2) which was ins. by Act 18 of 1919 s. 2 and Sch. I, have been omitted by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance,1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch.

125 Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”.

126 Subs. ibid., for “Acts of the G. G. in C.”

127 Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for “Indian Limitation Act, 1877”.

128 Cf. s. 34 of the Interpretation Act, 1889(52 & 53 Vict., c. 63).

129 Subs.by A.O.,1937 for “Act of the G.G. in C”.

130 Subs.ibid., for “Acts of the G.G. in C”.

131 S.13A was ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1919 (18 of 1919), s. 2 and Sch. I, and then amended by A. O., 1937.

132 Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Act of the G.G. in C.”.

133 The words “ on the Govt.” rep. by Act 18 of 1919, s. 2 and Sch. I.

134 Ins. ibid.

135 Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Acts of the G. G. in C.”.

136 Ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1928 (18 of 1928), s. 2. and Sch. I.

137 Subs. ibid., for “ by it”.

138 Subs. by A.O., 1937, for “Acts of the G.G. in C”.

139 Cf. s. 31 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict.,.c. 63).

140 Ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (1 of 1903), s. 3 and Sch. II.

141 Ins. by The General Clause (Amdt.) Ordinance, 2002 (Ord. XXXIII of 2002), s. 2.

142 Cf. s. 32 (3) of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict.,c. 63).

143 Subs. by Act 1 of 1903, s. 3 and Sch. II, for “ make”.

144 Ins. Ibid.

145 Subs. ibid., for “ made”.

146 Cf. s. 37 of the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Viet., c. 63).

147 Subs.by A.O., 1937, for “Act of the G.G. in C”.

148 Subs. by A. O., 1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”.

149 The words “ Central Government”, which were previously subs. by A.O., 1937, for “G. G. in C.” have been further subs. by F.A.O., 1975, Art. 2 and Table, to read as above.

150 Subs. by A. O., 1931, for “ L. G.”.

151 Subs. ibid., for “ Gazette”.

152 Ins. by the Amending Act, 1903 (I of 1903), s. 3 and Sch.II.

153 Subs. By A.O., 1937, for “Act of the G.G. in C”.

154 Ins. by the Second Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (17 of 1914), section 2 and Sch. I.

155 Subs. by A. O.,1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”.

156 Subs. by the Federal Laws (Revision and Declaration) Ordinance, 1981 (27 of 1981), s. 3 and 2nd Sch., for” section 5 or 5A of the Scheduled Districts Act, 1874, or any like law”.

157 Ins. by the Act of The General Clauses (Amdt.) Act, 1997 ( Act No. XI of 1997), s.2.

158 See the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (5 of 1898), s. 386 et, seq.

159 Cf. the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Viet., c. 63), s. 26.

160 Cf. ibid., s.35.

161 Subs. by A.O., 1937. For “Act of the G.G. in C”.

162 Cf. the Interpretation Act, 1889 (52 & 53 Vict., c.63), s. 40.

163 Ins. by the Second Repealing and Amending Act, 1914 (17 of 1914),s. 2 and Sch I.

164 Sub. by A. O., 1937, for “Act of the G. G. in C.”.

165 Subs. and shall be deemed to. have been so. subs. on the twenty-third day of March, 1956, by the Repealing and Amending Ordinance,1965 (10 of 1965), s. 3 and 2nd Sch. for “President” which had been subs. by A. O., 1961, Art. 2, for the words “Governor General” (with effect from the 23rd, March, 1956).

166 Ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1917 (24 of 1917), s. 2 and Sch. I.

167 Ins. by A. O., 1937.

168 The words and figures “or section 43 omitted by the Pakistan (Adaptation of Existing Pakistan Laws) Order, 1947 (G. G. O. 20 of 1947), Sch.

169 Added by the General Clauses (Second Amdt.) Ordinance, 1959 (37 of 1959), ss. 2 and 3.

170 Ss. 30A and 31 regarding “Application of Act to Acts made by the Governor General” and “Construction of references to Local Government of a Province “ which were ins. by the Repealing and Amending Act, 1923 (11 of 1923), s. 2 and Sch. I and the Repealing and Amending Act, 1920 (31 of 1920), s. 2 and Sch. I, respectively, were rep. by A. O., 1937.


This digital version of the General Clauses Act, 1897 is provided as-is. Although reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and avoid error, no warranty is made as to its accuracy or completeness. Consult the official sources or Gazette when legal accuracy is material.