# Key Definitions [Section 3, GCA]
## Rule of Application
These GCA definitions apply to any Central Act or Regulation made after the commencement of this Act — unless the Central Act itself defines the term or the GCA definition is repugnant (contradictory) to the subject.
## Government Bodies
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Government | Includes both Central and State Government |
| Central Government | • For acts done after commencement of Constitution → President<br>• For acts done before commencement → Governor General in Council |
## Act, Rule and Commencement
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Act | (For offence/civil wrong) Includes a series of acts AND extends to illegal omissions |
| Rule | Rule made under power conferred by any enactment; includes regulation |
| Commencement | Day on which the Act/Regulation came into force |
## Year Definitions
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Financial Year | Year commencing on 1st April |
| Year | British calendar year — 1st January to 31st December |
## Person
Includes: Company, Association, Body of individuals (whether incorporated or not).
- Examples: Individual, Public Body, Idol (juristic person), etc.
## Property — Immovable vs Movable
### Immovable Property
Includes:
- Land
- Benefits to arise out of land (e.g., right to catch/carry fish)
- Things attached to earth (e.g., trees)
- Things permanently fastened to anything attached to earth
Important notes:
- If another enactment defines immovable property only negatively (not exhaustively), the GCA definition applies
- Right of way → immovable property ✓
- Right to drain water → NOT immovable property ✗
### Movable Property
Property of every description, EXCEPT immovable property.
- Examples: Timber, Insurance policies (covering immovable property), Debt, Electricity
## Document
Includes any matter written, expressed or described upon any substance by means of letters, figures or marks intended for recording that matter.
- Examples: Power of Attorney, Painting, Cheque, CCTV recording
- NOT a document: Currency Notes
## Affidavit, Oath, Swear
- All three have the same definition
- Includes affirmation and declaration by persons allowed to affirm instead of swearing
- Can be used as evidence in court
## Good Faith
- Done honestly → deemed in good faith (whether negligently or not)
- Anything done with due care/attention, not malafide → presumed good faith
- Defined differently in different enactments — GCA definition does NOT apply if the enactment has its own definition
- Indian Contract Act, 1872 contrast: An act is NOT in good faith if done without due care and attention of a man of ordinary prudence
## Official Gazette
Means either:
- Gazette of India, OR
- Official Gazette of State
## Imprisonment
As defined in IPC — either rigorous (with hard labour) or simple. The Court decides which.