The 'statement of objects and reasons' attached to a Bill, according to the ICSI material, may legitimately be referred to:

1. Per the ICSI text, the statement of objects and reasons can be legitimately referred to for a correct appreciation of: 2. (1) **what was the law before the disputed Act was passed**, (2) **what was the mischief or defect for which the law had not provided**, (3) **what remedy the legislature has intended**, and (4) **the reasons for the statute**. 3. However, the statement may NOT be used to override the express words — Courts have only to inquire what the legislature has thought fit to enact. 4. Where extensive changes were made during the passage of the Bill, the objects of the changed provisions may not be the same as of the original Bill's clauses; undue importance should not be attached to the statement in such cases. _Source: ICSI CS Executive — Lesson 3, 'Internal Aids — Schedules (closing on statement of objects and reasons)', p. 94._