Statute Details
- Title: Notice under Section 17(5)
- Act Code: RELA1983-S39-2002
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL) notice
- Authorising Act: Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275), specifically section 17(5)
- Legislation Number: S 39
- Publication / SL Reference: SL 39/2002
- Status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026
- Key Instrument Date: Dated 8 January 2002
- Commencement Date (as stated in the notice): 31 January 2002
- Key Provision (substantive effect): Appointment of the date the “2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation” comes into force
- Schedule: THE SCHEDULE (as reflected in the notice’s enacting formula)
What Is This Legislation About?
This instrument is a formal notice issued under section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275). In plain terms, it is not a regulatory rule governing conduct (such as licensing, offences, or regulatory standards). Instead, it is an administrative/legal mechanism that determines when a particular revised compilation of subsidiary legislation becomes effective.
The notice states that the Law Revision Commissioners have published, in loose-leaf form, the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation made under the Acts listed in the Schedule. The notice then appoints a specific date—31 January 2002—as the date on which that revised edition is to come into force.
For practitioners, the practical importance lies in version control and legal certainty. Revised editions consolidate amendments and present legislation in an updated form. The “come into force” date clarifies which version of the subsidiary legislation is authoritative for interpretation, enforcement, and citation in legal proceedings.
What Are the Key Provisions?
1. The statutory trigger: section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
The notice is expressly grounded on section 17(5). That provision empowers the Law Revision Commissioners to publish a revised edition of subsidiary legislation (incorporating amendments up to a specified cut-off date) and then to have a date appointed for when the revised edition comes into force. The notice therefore functions as the final step that converts the published revised compilation into the legally operative version.
2. Publication of the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation
The notice “whereas” clause explains that the Law Revision Commissioners have published in loose-leaf form the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule. It also specifies the incorporation of amendments “up to 31st December 2001.” This is crucial: it tells lawyers the amendment horizon for the revised edition—i.e., the latest amendments included at the time of revision.
3. Appointment of the commencement date for the revised edition
The operative effect of the notice is contained in the statement that it is “hereby notified for general information” that the Law Revision Commissioners have appointed 31st January 2002 as the date the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation shall come into force. This means that, from that date, the revised edition is treated as the authoritative consolidated text for the subsidiary legislation covered by the Schedule.
4. Formalities and authentication
The notice is dated 8 January 2002 and signed by CHAN SEK KEONG, Chairman, Law Revision Commission. It also includes a reference code in square brackets: [AG/RSL/1/2002]. While these elements may appear administrative, they are important for practitioners verifying authenticity and ensuring correct citation in pleadings, submissions, and legal research.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
Structurally, this instrument is brief and follows a standard legislative notice format. It contains:
(a) Enacting formula — a formal statement that the notice is made under the authority of section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act.
(b) THE SCHEDULE — referenced in the enacting formula. In practice, the Schedule identifies the Acts under which the subsidiary legislation covered by the revised edition was made. Although the provided extract does not list the Schedule contents, the Schedule is the mechanism by which the scope of the revised edition is defined.
(c) The substantive “Whereas/Now, therefore” text — explaining the publication of the revised edition and appointing the date it comes into force.
(d) Date and signature block — confirming the date of the notice and the responsible authority.
Because this is a notice rather than a substantive regulatory statute, it does not contain “parts” or “sections” in the usual sense. Its legal work is done through the appointment of an effective date for a revised compilation.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
On its face, the notice applies to the legal system rather than to a particular class of persons. It governs how subsidiary legislation is to be treated once the revised edition comes into force. Accordingly, it affects:
(i) courts and tribunals when interpreting subsidiary legislation text as at the relevant time; and
(ii) legal practitioners when citing and relying on the consolidated version of subsidiary legislation.
In terms of practical reach, the revised edition covers subsidiary legislation made under the Acts in the Schedule. Those subsidiary instruments may regulate a wide range of subjects—depending on what is listed in the Schedule. Therefore, while the notice itself does not regulate conduct, it indirectly affects all persons who are subject to the subsidiary legislation included in the 2002 Revised Edition.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Although the notice is short, it is important for legal certainty and research accuracy. Singapore’s legislative framework relies heavily on consolidated and revised editions to ensure that practitioners can access an up-to-date text reflecting amendments. Without a clear “come into force” date, there could be ambiguity about which version of the subsidiary legislation is authoritative.
For practitioners, the notice is particularly relevant when dealing with issues such as:
1. Determining the correct version of subsidiary legislation
If a matter concerns events occurring around January 2002, the effective date helps determine whether the revised edition should be used for interpretation and citation. This can affect outcomes where amendments change definitions, procedural requirements, penalties, or regulatory obligations.
2. Ensuring accurate citation in pleadings and submissions
Legal documents often require precise references to the “revised edition” or the version in force at the material time. This notice provides the date that marks the transition to the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation.
3. Understanding the amendment cut-off
The notice indicates that the revised edition incorporates amendments up to 31 December 2001. This is a critical research detail: if an amendment occurred after that cut-off but before the relevant event, the practitioner must check whether it is reflected in the revised edition or whether it is contained in later amending instruments.
Finally, the notice illustrates the administrative architecture of Singapore’s legislative revision process. It demonstrates that revised editions are not merely editorial compilations; they are given legal effect through a formal mechanism under the Revised Edition of the Laws Act. That mechanism supports the rule of law by ensuring that consolidated texts are reliably authoritative.
Related Legislation
- Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275) — in particular section 17(5)
- Subsidiary legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule to this notice (to be identified by consulting the Schedule in the official publication)
Source Documents
This article provides an overview of the Notice under Section 17(5) for legal research and educational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult the official text for authoritative provisions.