Reddendo Singula Singulis
The phrase "Reddendo Singula Singulis" means "by rendering each to each" or "referring each phrase or expression to its appropriate object."
1. Meaning
This is a rule of distributive construction. When a sentence contains several antecedents and several consequents (multiple subjects followed by multiple verbs or objects), they should be read distributively. You link the first subject to the first object and the second subject to the second object.
2. Illustration
Consider the sentence: "If anyone shall draw or load a sword or gun."
Applying the maxim, you "redistribute" the words: You draw a sword and you load a gun.
It would be nonsensical to interpret it as "drawing a gun" or "loading a sword."
3. Case Law Example: Koteswar Vittal Kamath v. K. Rangappa Baliga (1969)
The Supreme Court of India dealt with a provision stating: "No person shall sell, store or carry on business in liquor, toddy or arrack without a license."
Using this maxim, the court ensures that the specific prohibitions apply to their respective items logically across the list.
4. When to Use It
Courts apply this when a literal, "all-to-all" reading would lead to an impractical or ungrammatical result. It allows the judge to untangle a complex sentence to make it legally sound.
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