# Definition of 'Commencement' — Section 3(13)
## Statutory Definition
> Section 3(13): 'Commencement' used with reference to an Act or Regulation, shall mean the day on which the Act or Regulation comes into force.
## Conceptual Meaning
> Coming into force (or entry into force / commencement) refers to the process by which legislation, regulations, treaties and other legal instruments come to have legal force and effect.
## Key Distinction: Three Different Dates
A single Act can have three different important dates:
| Date Type | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Date of Enactment | When the Bill received Presidential assent and became an Act |
| Date of Publication | When the Act was published in the Official Gazette |
| Date of Commencement | When the Act actually comes into force / starts operating |
### These dates can be different!
Example: Companies Act, 2013:
- Assent: 29-8-2013
- Notified: 30-8-2013
- Commencement: Various sections commenced on different dates over years
## How is Commencement Decided?
1. Specified in the Act itself — the Act may state a specific date
2. Date of publication — if no date specified, the Act commences on the date of publication
3. By Notification — Government may notify dates for different provisions to come into force
4. Different sections, different dates — Modern practice is to bring sections into force in phases
## Why does this matter?
Until an Act/provision commences:
- It has no legal force
- Cannot be relied upon
- Cannot create rights or duties
## Example
If Section X of an Act is notified to commence on 1st April, 2026:
- Before 1-4-2026 → Section X has no effect
- On and from 1-4-2026 → Section X is enforceable
The commencement date is the birthday of the legal effect of the provision.