Code: Section 1 of The Specific Relief Act, 1963
(1) This Act may be called the Specific Relief Act, 1963.
(2) It extends to the whole of India¹.
(3) It shall come into force on such date² as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.
Explanation of Section 1 of the Specific Relief Act
Section 1 introduces the Specific Relief Act, 1963. It provides the foundational legal information—namely, the short title (official name), the territorial extent (jurisdiction), and commencement (date the Act becomes effective).
Key Elements:
- Short Title: The official name of the law is “The Specific Relief Act, 1963”.
- Extent: It applies to the entire territory of India.
(Note: Any previous exclusions, such as Jammu & Kashmir, are now inapplicable following constitutional changes.) - Commencement: The law became effective on March 1, 1964, as per a notification issued by the Central Government in the Official Gazette.
Illustration
Example 1: Understanding the Extent and Application
Suppose a property-related dispute arises in Tamil Nadu in 1965. One of the parties seeks specific performance of a contract. Since the Act came into force in 1964 and applies to the whole of India, it is applicable to the dispute in Tamil Nadu.
Common Questions and Answers
- When did the Specific Relief Act come into force?
- The Act came into effect on March 1, 1964, as notified in the Official Gazette.
- Does the Act apply across India?
- Yes, the Act extends to the entire country of India. Earlier exclusions no longer apply after legal reforms.
- Why is Section 1 important?
- It sets the legal foundation for the Act by defining its name, where it applies, and when it came into effect.
Conclusion
Section 1 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963 provides essential preliminary details about the Act’s title, applicability, and commencement. While brief, this section establishes the Act’s legal authority across India. For further insights into other sections, explore more content on ApniLaw.
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