Definition
A rule of statutory interpretation that where a statute contains several subjects and several qualifications, each qualification applies to the subject most appropriate to it — distributing words in the statute to the items they most naturally fit.
Reddendo singula singulis (Latin: 'referring each to each' or 'rendering each to each') is the distributive rule of statutory interpretation. Where a statute refers to several subjects and then provides several qualifications, the qualifications are distributed to the subjects to which they most naturally apply — not applied to all subjects collectively. The classic example: 'Shooting or stabbing with a knife or revolver' — the rule distributes the weapon to the appropriate act: shooting with a revolver; stabbing with a knife. Applying the rule avoids the awkwardness of 'stabbing with a revolver' or 'shooting with a knife.'
Statutory Definition
No statutory provision — reddendo singula singulis is a judge-made interpretive rule. Applied in Indian courts where a statute lists multiple subjects followed by qualifications that clearly apply to different subjects. The court 'distributes' each qualification to the appropriate subject rather than reading the qualifications as applying to all subjects collectively.
Etymology & Origin
Latin 'reddendo' (gerundive of 'reddere' — to give back, to render) + 'singula' (individual things, each thing) + 'singulis' (to each individually, dative of 'singuli'). 'Rendering each thing to each' — assigning each qualification to the subject it most appropriately serves.
Full Legal Analysis
Reddendo Singula Singulis: The Distributive Rule
Sometimes a statute's grammar is ambiguous about which qualification applies to which subject. Reddendo singula singulis resolves this by distribution — assigning each qualification to the subject it most naturally fits. This is not a dramatic interpretive move; it is simple common sense applied systematically. The rule prevents the absurdity of applying qualifications where they make no sense.
Classic Illustrations
(a) 'Making or publishing a false or defamatory statement': The adjective 'false' most naturally applies to 'statement'; 'defamatory' could apply to both. Applying reddendo singula singulis: 'making or publishing a [false] or [defamatory] statement' — false applies to the factual assertion; defamatory applies to the character of the statement about a person. (b) 'Assault or battery with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument': Reading distributively: 'assault with a dangerous instrument' and 'battery with a deadly weapon' — or more naturally: each weapon type applies to the act most appropriate to it. (c) In property law: 'Gift to A for life, remainder to B and his heirs' — 'for life' applies to A's interest; 'and his heirs' applies to B's remainder.
Application in Indian Legislation
Indian courts apply reddendo singula singulis sparingly — it is available as an aid when the literal reading produces an awkward or absurd result. The rule is particularly relevant in criminal statutes where multiple acts are prohibited in the same provision — the qualifications (intent, circumstances, aggravating factors) may apply to some acts but not others in the list.
“Reddendo singula singulis is statutory common sense — applying each qualification to the subject it fits. It prevents the legislature’s words from producing absurd results by distributing qualifications where they belong rather than forcing every qualification onto every subject in the list.”
