Statute Details
- Title: Notice under Section 17(5)
- Act Code: RELA1983-S250-2009
- Legislation Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL)
- Authorising Act: Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275)
- Key Legal Basis: Section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
- Instrument Date: 11 May 2009
- Commencement (Effective Date): 1 June 2009
- Publication/Reference: No. S 250 (SL 250/2009)
- Status: Current version as at 27 Mar 2026 (per the legislation portal)
- Schedule: THE SCHEDULE (as reflected in the notice document)
What Is This Legislation About?
This instrument is a formal notice issued under section 17(5) of Singapore’s Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275). In plain terms, it tells the public that the Law Revision Commissioners have appointed a specific date when a particular revised compilation of subsidiary legislation will come into force.
The notice is not a “substantive” regulatory law that creates new rights or offences by itself. Instead, it performs an important administrative and legal-clarification function: it confirms the effective commencement date of the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation (incorporating amendments up to 1 May 2009) that had been published in a loose-leaf format.
For practitioners, the key point is that revised editions can affect how legislation is cited and applied in practice. Even where the underlying subsidiary legislation remains the same in substance, the revised edition can consolidate amendments and ensure that the “current” text is the one that courts, agencies, and lawyers should rely on. This notice therefore matters for accurate legal research, citation, and compliance.
What Are the Key Provisions?
1. Legal basis: section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
The notice is grounded in section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act. That provision empowers the Law Revision Commissioners to publish revised editions of subsidiary legislation (in loose-leaf form) and to set a date for when the revised edition will come into force. The notice’s function is to make that date official and publicly known.
2. The “Whereas” recital: publication of the 2009 Revised Edition
The instrument recites that, under section 17(5), the Law Revision Commissioners have caused to be published in loose-leaf form the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule. The recital also specifies that the revised edition incorporates all amendments up to 1 May 2009.
This recital is significant because it frames the revised edition as a consolidated and updated version. For legal work, it signals that the text in the revised edition is intended to reflect the latest amendments within the stated cut-off date.
3. The operative statement: appointment of the commencement date
The core operative content states that it is “hereby notified for general information” that the Law Revision Commissioners have appointed 1 June 2009 as the date the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation shall come into force.
In practical terms, this means that from 1 June 2009, the revised edition becomes the legally effective consolidated text for the subsidiary legislation covered by the Schedule. Any subsequent legal reliance should be consistent with the revised edition’s incorporated amendments.
4. Formalities: date, signatory, and reference
The notice is dated 11 May 2009 and signed by WALTER WOON, Chairman, Law Revision Commission. It also includes a reference marker [AG/RSL/1/2009].
While these details may appear administrative, they are important for document control. Practitioners often need to confirm the authenticity and version lineage of legal instruments, particularly when dealing with archived amendments, historical compliance questions, or disputes about which text applied at a given time.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
This notice is structured in a straightforward format typical of commencement notices under the Revised Edition of the Laws Act. It contains:
(a) A heading and status information indicating that it is a “Notice under Section 17(5)” and showing the current version status on the legislation portal.
(b) An enacting formula and the Schedule reference (as reflected in the document). The Schedule indicates the Acts under which the subsidiary legislation is made and therefore which body of subsidiary legislation is covered by the revised edition.
(c) A “Whereas” clause explaining the background: publication of the 2009 revised edition in loose-leaf form and incorporation of amendments up to a specified date.
(d) The operative clause appointing the commencement date (1 June 2009).
(e) Date and signature block confirming the formal issuance by the Chairman of the Law Revision Commission.
Notably, the instrument does not contain multiple substantive sections or detailed regulatory requirements. Its “structure” is designed to communicate a single legal effect: the commencement of the revised edition.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
Although the notice is addressed to “general information,” its legal effect is felt by a broad range of stakeholders who rely on subsidiary legislation: government agencies, regulated entities, legal practitioners, and the courts. The notice does not impose obligations directly on the public in the way that a regulatory statute would; rather, it determines which consolidated version of subsidiary legislation is in force.
Accordingly, the practical applicability is indirect but pervasive. Anyone who must interpret, cite, or comply with subsidiary legislation covered by the 2009 Revised Edition must ensure that they are using the correct consolidated text as at the commencement date (1 June 2009) and thereafter.
In addition, the notice is relevant to legal research and litigation strategy. If a dispute concerns conduct occurring around the time of revision, practitioners may need to determine whether the revised edition text was already in force. The notice provides the authoritative commencement date for that purpose.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
1. It ensures legal certainty through consolidation
Singapore’s legal system relies on accurate and up-to-date legislative texts. Revised editions of subsidiary legislation consolidate amendments and present an authoritative version for use. This notice is the mechanism that makes that consolidated version effective from a specified date.
For practitioners, this reduces the risk of relying on outdated amendments or incorrect numbering. It also supports consistent interpretation across legal proceedings, administrative enforcement, and advisory work.
2. It affects citation and the “current text” used in practice
Even where the substantive regulatory rules remain unchanged, the revised edition can change how the legislation is presented—through incorporation of amendments, updated drafting, or reorganisation within the revised compilation. Lawyers must therefore be attentive to the effective date of the revised edition when citing provisions and advising clients.
3. It provides a clear temporal anchor for disputes
In litigation, the question “what law applied at the relevant time?” is often decisive. This notice provides a clear anchor: the 2009 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation came into force on 1 June 2009. That date can be critical when determining whether a particular amendment had already taken effect in the consolidated text.
4. It reflects the administrative governance of legislative revision
Finally, the notice illustrates how Singapore manages legislative revision through the Law Revision Commission. While the instrument itself is brief, it is part of a broader statutory framework that maintains the integrity and usability of the legal corpus.
Related Legislation
- Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275) — in particular, section 17(5) (the enabling provision for this notice)
- Subsidiary legislation covered by the 2009 Revised Edition — i.e., subsidiary legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule to the notice (as reflected in the instrument)
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.