Doctrine of Implication

The Doctrine of Implication is a rule of statutory interpretation which suggests that when the law grants a power or imposes a duty, it also implies the grant of all such powers that are reasonably necessary to exercise that power or perform that duty effectively.

It is based on the legal maxim Quando lex aliquid concedit, concedere videtur et illud sine quo res ipsa esse non potest (When the law gives anything, it gives the implied means without which the thing itself would be useless).

Landmark Case Reference

In Bidi, Bidi Leaves and Tobacco Merchants' Association v. State of Bombay (1962), the Supreme Court of India held that the "Doctrine of Implied Powers" can be invoked where a power is conferred, and the successful exercise of that power would be impossible without the existence of another power.