Balancing Sovereignty and Law: India's Treaty-Making Powers and Domestic Enforcement

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Deciphering Legal Judgments: A Comprehensive Analysis of Case Law

Reported as:

2023 (10) TMI 981 - Supreme Court

The core issues revolve around the application of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause in India's tax treaties with various OECD countries. This case tests whether the MFN clause can be applied when the third country involved wasn't an OECD member at the time of the DTAA's inception and the necessity of a separate notification for the clause's effect.

The commentary provided in paragraphs 74 to 87 relates to the principles of treaty interpretation under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (VCLT), particularly Article 31, and their relevance in the context of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAAs) and international law. Here's an analysis:

VCLT and General Rule of Interpretation

Article 31 of the VCLT outlines the general rule of treaty interpretation, emphasizing the importance of interpreting treaties in good faith and according to the ordinary meaning of their terms, considering the context and purpose of the treaty.
Although India is not a signatory to the VCLT, its principles are widely recognized as reflecting customary international law and are therefore relevant in the Indian context.

Subsequent Agreements and Practices

The VCLT acknowledges that subsequent agreements and practices related to a treaty are authentic means of interpretation. This includes any conduct by a party in applying the treaty, whether through executive, legislative, judicial, or other actions.
Such practices provide objective evidence of the parties' understanding of the treaty’s meaning and are considered critical in interpreting the treaty’s provisions.

International Law Commission (ILC) Draft Conclusions

The ILC Draft Conclusions on Subsequent Agreements and Subsequent Practice in relation to Treaty Interpretation consolidate these principles, clarifying the definitions and implications of 'subsequent agreements' and 'subsequent practice' in treaty interpretation.

Interpretive Conduct by States and ICJ Decisions

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has recognized a variety of activities as interpretive conduct by states, including domestic legislation, diplomatic correspondence, and even the inactivity or silence of a state.
The ICJ’s decisions emphasize the significance of state practice in understanding treaty obligations and interpretations.

Application to the Treaty Practice of Switzerland, Netherlands, and France

The treaty practices of these countries are shaped by their constitutional and legal frameworks, which may require parliamentary ratification or referendums for treaties to become enforceable.
In contrast, India’s practice necessitates legislative action or a notification under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act for the assimilation of treaties into domestic law.
The practice in these countries, therefore, cannot be directly equated with India’s approach due to differing constitutional and legal requirements.

Implications for DTAA Interpretation

The interpretation of DTAAs, like any treaty, must consider subsequent agreements and practices among the parties.
India’s consistent practice of issuing notifications under Section 90 following a 'trigger event' in a DTAA signifies its approach to treaty obligations and amendments.
The role of practice in treaty interpretation, as established by international law principles, is critical but must be contextualized within the domestic legal framework of each signatory country.

Conclusion

Domestic courts, while interpreting treaties, must balance the principles of international law with domestic legal requirements and practices.
The approach to treaty interpretation and integration into domestic law is influenced by constitutional, political, and diplomatic factors unique to each signatory.
The consistent pattern in India’s treaty practice, especially in the context of DTAAs, highlights the necessity of formal notifications to implement treaty amendments, aligning with both international law principles and domestic legal requirements.

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2023 (10) TMI 981 - Supreme Court