Definition of 'Enactment' [Section 3(19)]

# Definition of 'Enactment' — Section 3(19)

## Statutory Definition

> Section 3(19): 'Enactment' shall include a Regulation or any Act (or a provision contained therein) made by the Union Parliament or the State Legislature.

## Three Levels of Meaning

The definition is inclusive and embraces three concepts:

### 1. A Regulation

Delegated legislation made under statutory authority.

### 2. An Act

Legislation passed by:

• The Union Parliament, OR
• A State Legislature

### 3. A Provision within an Act

Not just the whole Act, but even a single provision/section within an Act qualifies as an 'enactment'.

## Why This Definition Matters

'Enactment' is broader than 'Act':

• 'Act' = the whole law
• 'Enactment' = the whole law OR any part of it OR a regulation

This is important when interpreting clauses like "any enactment for the time being in force" — it covers Central Acts, State Acts, and even subordinate legislation/regulations.

## Examples

## Distinction from 'Act'

## Practical Use

Whenever a statute says "any enactment", it gives the widest possible scope — capturing:

• Central legislation
• State legislation
• Subordinate legislation
• Any part of any of the above