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The 'long title' of an Act, according to the ICSI material, is admissible as an aid to construction for which purpose?
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D.
1. The **long title** sets out in general terms the purpose of the Act and often precedes the preamble.
2. It is now settled law that the title of a statute is an **important part of the Act** and may be referred to for the purpose of ascertaining its general scope and of throwing light on its construction — **although it cannot override the clear meaning of an enactment**.
3. ICSI cites S.R. Das, J. on the Supreme Court Advocates (Practice in High Court) Act, 1951 to illustrate this principle.
4. Options A, C and D over-state the long title's effect; it is an aid, not a controlling provision.
_Source: ICSI CS Executive — Lesson 3, 'Internal Aids — Title', p. 91._
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