statute

A statute is written law made by Parliament or a State Legislature within its legislative competence under Article 245 and the Seventh Schedule. In India it is called an Act; a Bill becomes an Act after it is passed and receives assent (Articles 111 and 200). Legislation by the executive under the authority of a statute (rules, regulations, notifications) is subordinate or delegated legislation, and ordinances issued by the President or Governor have the force of law for a limited time.

A statute is valid only if it is within legislative competence and does not violate fundamental rights or other constitutional limits. Section 3 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 defines many common terms used in statutes.

Example

Since the matter falls in the State List, only a State statute, not a Central Act, could regulate it.

In Indian law

• Articles 245, 246, 111 and 200, Constitution of India; Section 3, General Clauses Act, 1897

See also

legislation · delegated legislation · ordinance · repeal

Read more in the study notes

• Administrative law: meaning, nature, scope, growth and sources (Administrative Law)
• Separation of powers and its bearing on administrative law (Administrative Law)
• Classification of administrative action (Administrative Law)
• Delegated legislation: meaning, growth, merits and administrative directions (Administrative Law)
• Excessive delegation, conditional legislation and sub-delegation (Administrative Law)
• Control of delegated legislation: parliamentary, procedural and judicial (Administrative Law)