Statute Details
- Title: Notice under Section 17(5)
- Act Code: RELA1983-S520-2007
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL) notice
- Authorising Act: Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275)
- Key Provision (Authorising): Section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
- Instrument Number: S 520
- Publication/Commencement Date (as stated): Dated 13 September 2007; appointed commencement date: 1 October 2007
- Status: Current version as at 27 March 2026
- Schedule: THE SCHEDULE (as reflected in the notice document interface)
- Enacting/Signing Authority: CHAO HICK TIN, Chairman, Law Revision Commission
- Document Identifier (as shown): [AG/RSL/1/2007]
What Is This Legislation About?
This instrument is a procedural notice issued under section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275). In plain terms, it tells the public (and legal practitioners) that the Law Revision Commissioners have prepared a revised edition of subsidiary legislation—specifically the 2007 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation—and that a particular date has been appointed for it to come into force.
The notice is not itself a substantive regulatory measure (it does not create new offences, rights, or obligations). Instead, it performs an important legal function: it sets the effective date for a consolidated, updated compilation of subsidiary legislation made under specified Acts. Such revised editions are designed to incorporate amendments up to a stated cut-off date, thereby improving legal certainty and usability.
For practitioners, the key practical effect is that after the appointed date, the revised edition becomes the authoritative reference point for the relevant subsidiary legislation. This matters for litigation, compliance, and statutory interpretation, because the “version” of the subsidiary legislation in force can affect the outcome of legal arguments.
What Are the Key Provisions?
1. The statutory basis: section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
The notice begins by invoking the authority conferred by section 17(5). That provision empowers the Law Revision Commissioners to cause revised subsidiary legislation to be published in a loose-leaf form (a format historically used for continuously updated legal compilations). The notice then uses that authority to make a further step: it appoints a date when the revised edition will come into force.
2. Incorporation of amendments up to a cut-off date
The “Whereas” clause states that the Law Revision Commissioners have caused to be published the 2007 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule, incorporating all amendments up to 1 September 2007. This is a crucial feature of revised editions: they are intended to reflect the law as amended up to a defined point in time, reducing the need for practitioners to manually track multiple amending instruments.
3. Appointment of the commencement date
The operative effect of the notice is contained in the statement that the Law Revision Commissioners have appointed 1 October 2007 as the date the 2007 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation shall come into force. In practice, this means that from 1 October 2007, the revised edition is treated as the operative consolidated text for the subsidiary legislation covered by the Schedule.
4. Notice for general information and formal dating
The notice is “hereby notified for general information,” signalling that it is meant to be publicly accessible and relied upon by the legal community. It is formally dated 13 September 2007 and signed by the Chairman of the Law Revision Commission, CHAO HICK TIN. The document identifier [AG/RSL/1/2007] further supports traceability for legal research and citation.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
Although the instrument is short, its structure reflects the typical format of a statutory notice under the Revised Edition of the Laws Act. The document includes:
(a) Title and status information
The notice is presented as “Notice under Section 17(5)” with a status indicator showing it is the current version as at 27 March 2026. This is important for research accuracy: even though the notice itself relates to a 2007 commencement date, the platform may show consolidated or updated metadata.
(b) Enacting formula / preamble (“Whereas” clause)
The preamble explains the background: the Law Revision Commissioners have published the revised edition in loose-leaf form and incorporated amendments up to a specified date.
(c) Operative clause
The operative clause states the appointed commencement date: 1 October 2007.
(d) Formal execution
The notice is dated and signed by the Chairman of the Law Revision Commission.
(e) Reference to the Schedule
The interface shows “THE SCHEDULE,” indicating that the revised edition applies to subsidiary legislation made under the Acts listed in the Schedule. While the extract provided does not reproduce the Schedule contents, the Schedule is legally significant because it defines the scope of coverage—i.e., which subsidiary legislation is captured by the revised edition.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
This notice applies broadly to the public and, in particular, to legal practitioners, government agencies, courts, and regulated entities who rely on the authoritative text of subsidiary legislation. While the notice itself does not impose duties, it determines when a revised compilation becomes the operative reference for the subsidiary legislation covered.
Its practical applicability is therefore indirect but substantial: any person or body dealing with subsidiary legislation within the scope of the 2007 Revised Edition must ensure they consult the correct version as of 1 October 2007. In disputes, the effective date can be pivotal when determining whether a particular regulatory requirement, procedural rule, or licensing condition was in force at the relevant time.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Although this instrument is procedural, it has real legal consequences. Revised editions are designed to provide an authoritative consolidated text of subsidiary legislation. By appointing a commencement date, the Law Revision Commissioners effectively signal that the revised edition should be treated as the correct legal reference point from that date forward.
For practitioners, the importance lies in version control. Singapore’s legal system includes numerous subsidiary instruments that may be amended over time. A revised edition reduces the risk of citing outdated provisions or missing amendments. When advising clients, preparing submissions, or drafting compliance policies, lawyers must be able to identify the correct text applicable to the relevant period.
In litigation and enforcement contexts, the notice can also affect statutory interpretation. Courts and tribunals may rely on the consolidated text when interpreting provisions, especially where amendments have been incorporated. Even where the substantive rule remains unchanged, the consolidated presentation can clarify numbering, cross-references, and drafting conventions—factors that can influence how arguments are framed.
Finally, the notice underscores the role of the Law Revision Commission and the legislative mechanism under the Revised Edition of the Laws Act. It demonstrates how Singapore maintains legal accessibility and certainty by periodically consolidating subsidiary legislation and setting formal commencement dates for revised editions.
Related Legislation
- Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Chapter 275) — in particular section 17(5) (the authorising provision for this notice)
- Subsidiary legislation made under the Acts set out in the Schedule — the specific Acts are referenced in the Schedule to this notice (not reproduced in the extract provided)
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.