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Issues: Interpretation of the term "Indian immigrant" in the Indian Immigration Act of Natal, applicability of the interpretation clause, consideration of descendants of Indian immigrants, comparison of different sections of the Act, and the impact of penalty provisions on the interpretation of the Act.
In this judgment, the issue revolves around the interpretation of the term "Indian immigrant" as used in the Indian Immigration Act of Natal. The Act authorized the Immigration Trust Board to appoint a medical practitioner for Indian immigrants, with employers required to contribute towards this service. The dispute arose when employers contended they were not obligated to pay for immigrants whose indentured service had expired or for descendants of Indian immigrants. The key question was whether the term "immigrant" included descendants. The interpretation clause defined "Indian immigrant" to include descendants residing in Natal. The Court analyzed the context and language of the Act to determine the scope of the term. The majority opinion rejected arguments that sought to limit the interpretation clause's application based on the Act's consolidating and amending nature. The Court emphasized giving effect to the interpretation clause unless the context clearly indicated otherwise. The Court dismissed technical arguments that attempted to restrict the term's scope based on penalty provisions, emphasizing the plain language of the Act and the inclusive definition provided in the interpretation clause. The Court addressed the argument that descendants of Indian immigrants should not be considered "immigrants" for medical attendance payment purposes due to changing social circumstances. However, the Court emphasized that legislative interpretation should be based on the Act's language and intent at the time of enactment. The Court also analyzed specific sections of the Act, such as Section 10, to illustrate that the interpretation clause applied to the broader category of "Indian immigrants," encompassing various classes within that group. The Court rejected the notion that certain sections of the Act excluded the interpretation clause's application, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the definition provided in Section 118. Furthermore, the Court discussed the penalty provisions of the Act and their impact on the interpretation of employer obligations regarding medical attendance for Indian immigrants. The Court clarified that penalty provisions did not limit the scope of the term "Indian immigrant" and that the interpretation clause's inclusive definition should prevail. Ultimately, the Court upheld the judgment affirming the liability of employers to contribute to medical services for descendants of Indian immigrants. The appeal was allowed, and the original judgment was restored, with costs to be borne by the appellants as per the undertaking given at the time of special leave to appeal.
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