Statute Details
- Title: Notice under Section 17(5)
- Full Title: Notice under Section 17(5) (Revised Edition of the Laws Act; subsidiary legislation revision)
- Act Code: RELA1983-S219-2002
- Type: Subsidiary legislation notice (SL)
- Commencement Date: 31 May 2002 (appointed as the date the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation comes into force)
- Key Instrument Date: Dated 6 May 2002
- Authorising Act: Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275)
- Key Provision (as referenced): Section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
- Schedule: “THE SCHEDULE” (the notice refers to Acts set out in the Schedule, under which subsidiary legislation is made)
- Status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026
- Legislative Reference: No. S 219
- Legislation Number: SL 219/2002
- Publication/Revision Basis: 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation incorporating amendments up to 30 April 2002
- Issuing Authority: Law Revision Commission (Chairman: Chan Sek Keong)
What Is This Legislation About?
This instrument is a notice issued under section 17(5) of Singapore’s Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275). In practical terms, it does not create new regulatory obligations for the public. Instead, it performs an administrative-but-critical legal function: it sets the effective date for a revised compilation of Singapore’s subsidiary legislation (i.e., regulations, orders, and other subordinate instruments made under Acts).
The notice explains that the Law Revision Commissioners have published, in a loose-leaf format, the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation made under the Acts listed in the Schedule. That revised edition incorporates amendments up to 30 April 2002. The notice then appoints 31 May 2002 as the date when that revised edition comes into force.
For practitioners, the importance lies in legal certainty and citation. When a revised edition comes into force, it affects how lawyers and courts reference the law—ensuring that the text relied upon reflects the consolidated amendments up to the stated cut-off date. Even where the underlying substantive rules remain the same, the revised edition can change the numbering, formatting, and consolidation of provisions, which matters for drafting, compliance, and litigation.
What Are the Key Provisions?
1. The statutory basis: section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
The notice is expressly grounded on section 17(5). While the extract provided is focused on the notice itself, the referenced provision is the mechanism by which the Law Revision Commissioners publish revised editions of subsidiary legislation and then have those editions come into force on a date appointed by notice. The legal effect is that the revised compilation becomes the authoritative reference for the subsidiary legislation covered by the Schedule.
2. Publication of the 2002 Revised Edition incorporating amendments up to 30 April 2002
The notice states that, under section 17(5), 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. The revised edition incorporates all amendments up to 30 April 2002. This cut-off is crucial: it defines the “as at” point for the consolidated text. Practitioners should be alert that amendments after that date may not be reflected in the revised edition, depending on subsequent amending instruments.
3. Appointment of the commencement date: 31 May 2002
The core operative statement is that it is “hereby notified for general information” that the Law Revision Commissioners have appointed 31st May 2002 as the date the 2002 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation shall come into force. In other words, the revised compilation becomes effective on that date, and the legal community should treat the revised text as the operative consolidated version for the instruments covered.
4. Formalities: dating, signatory, and reference number
The notice is dated 6 May 2002 and signed by CHAN SEK KEONG, Chairman of the Law Revision Commission. It also includes an internal reference: [AG/RSL/1/2002]. These formalities are not merely ceremonial; they confirm the instrument’s authenticity and the authority under which it is issued.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
Although this instrument is short, it follows a structured format typical of Singapore legislative notices. The structure includes:
(a) Title and status information (e.g., “Current version as at 27 Mar 2026”), which helps users ensure they are viewing the correct consolidated version of the notice.
(b) Enacting formula, which sets out the legal basis and context for the notice.
(c) “THE SCHEDULE” heading, indicating that the notice relates to subsidiary legislation made under the Acts listed in the Schedule. In the extract, the Schedule content is not reproduced, but the heading signals that the scope of the revised edition is determined by those Acts.
(d) Operative recital and appointment, which states the publication of the loose-leaf revised edition and appoints the effective date (31 May 2002).
(e) Date and signature block, confirming the issuing authority and date of issuance.
From a practitioner’s perspective, the key “structure” is therefore not a set of substantive sections, but rather the legal pathway: (1) publication of a revised compilation under section 17(5), (2) incorporation of amendments up to a specified cut-off date, and (3) appointment of a commencement date by notice.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
This notice applies to the subsidiary legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule to the notice. The “audience” in a legal sense is therefore not the general public directly, but rather the legal system and stakeholders who rely on accurate, consolidated subsidiary legislation—such as lawyers, regulators, regulated entities, and courts.
In practical terms, regulated persons and businesses are affected indirectly: once the revised edition comes into force, the authoritative consolidated text for the relevant subsidiary instruments becomes the reference point for compliance and enforcement. However, because this notice is about revision and coming into force of a compilation, it typically does not introduce new substantive duties by itself.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
First, it supports legal certainty. Singapore’s legislative framework is extensive, and subsidiary legislation is frequently amended. A revised edition consolidates amendments into a coherent text. By appointing a specific date for coming into force, the Law Revision Commission ensures that there is a clear transition point when the revised compilation should be treated as authoritative.
Second, it improves citation accuracy. Lawyers often need to cite the correct version of subsidiary legislation in pleadings, submissions, compliance manuals, and advisory opinions. If a revised edition comes into force, the numbering and structure of provisions may change (even if the underlying substance is the same). Using the wrong version can lead to citation errors, misinterpretation, or difficulties in court.
Third, it has practical compliance implications. Even though the notice itself is not a regulatory rule, it affects how practitioners interpret “current law” at a given time. For example, when advising on conduct around May 2002, counsel must consider whether the revised edition had come into force and whether subsequent amendments after 30 April 2002 were already enacted. The notice’s stated cut-off date and commencement date are therefore key for time-sensitive legal analysis.
Finally, it reflects an important institutional function: the Law Revision Commission’s role in maintaining an accessible and up-to-date legislative record. For practitioners, this means that the revised edition can be treated as a reliable consolidated source—subject, of course, to checking for later amendments.
Related Legislation
- Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275) — in particular section 17(5)
- Subsidiary legislation instruments made under the Acts listed in the Schedule to this notice (not reproduced in the extract)
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.