NOSCITUR A SOCIIS
“A Latin Phrase” Noscitur: to know -- Sociis: Association “To know from the association”
Meaning of a word is to be judged by the company it keeps.
Unclear word or phrase should be determined by the words immediately surrounding it.
If multiple words having similar meaning are put together, they are to be understood in their collective.
Questionable meaning of a doubtful word can be derived from its association with other words.
This principle needs a word or phrase or even a whole provision that stands alone has a clear meaning.
Where it can be used:
When the associated words have similar meaning.
When the intention or legislator is not clear.
Where it cannot be used :
When the words have disjoint meaning.
When the intention of the legislator is clear.
Case Law:
Alamgir V. State of Bihar -
The Sc held that though the word “detains” generally means detention against will, this meaning cannot be attributed to the word here because the expression should be construed in the light of other words in its company. This means that the word “detains” should be interpreted with reference to the expression takes, entices and conceals used U/S 498. The word “detains” therefore, should mean “detention without the consent of the husband”.
Lokmat Newspaper V. Shankar Prasad -
Court held that dismissal and discharge do not have same analogous meaning so this rule cannot be applied.