Statute Details
- Title: Notice under Section 17(5)
- Act Code: RELA1983-S754-2004
- Type: Subsidiary Legislation (SL) notice
- Authorising Act: Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275), section 17(5)
- Legislation Number: S 754/2004
- Enacting Formula / Instrument: Notice published for general information regarding the coming into force of a revised edition of subsidiary legislation
- Date of Enactment / Dated: 14 December 2004
- Commencement (as stated): 31 December 2004
- Status: Current version as at 27 March 2026
- Key Provision (in substance): Section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275)
What Is This Legislation About?
This instrument is a notice issued under section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act (Cap. 275). In practical terms, it does not create new regulatory duties for the public. Instead, it addresses a core administrative and legal infrastructure issue: when a revised edition of subsidiary legislation becomes legally effective.
The notice explains that the Law Revision Commissioners had published, in a loose-leaf form, the 2004 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation made under specified Acts. That revised edition incorporates amendments up to 30 November 2004. The notice then states that the Commissioners have appointed 31 December 2004 as the date on which the revised edition of subsidiary legislation shall come into force.
For lawyers, the significance lies in the way Singapore’s legislative system maintains accuracy and accessibility. Revised editions are intended to consolidate and reflect amendments, reducing the risk of relying on outdated text. This notice is the formal bridge between the publication of the revised compilation and its legal commencement.
What Are the Key Provisions?
1. Reference to section 17(5) of the Revised Edition of the Laws Act
The notice is anchored in the statutory mechanism in section 17(5). That provision empowers the Law Revision Commissioners to publish revised editions of subsidiary legislation (in loose-leaf form) incorporating amendments up to a specified cut-off date. The notice then performs the next step: it fixes the commencement date for the revised edition.
2. Incorporation of amendments up to 30 November 2004
The instrument states that the 2004 Revised Edition of Subsidiary Legislation incorporates all amendments up to 30 November 2004. This is important for legal research and litigation practice. It signals that the revised edition is intended to be a current, consolidated text as at that cut-off date, rather than a mere reprint of earlier versions.
3. Appointment of 31 December 2004 as the coming-into-force date
The operative effect of the notice is the appointment of 31 December 2004 as the date the revised edition of subsidiary legislation “shall come into force.” In other words, from that date, the revised compilation is treated as the authoritative text for purposes of legal reference, subject to any later amendments.
4. Formalities: dating and signature
The notice is dated 14 December 2004 and signed by CHAN SEK KEONG, Chairman of the Law Revision Commission. The enacting formula and schedule-style presentation reflect that this is a formal legal instrument, not an explanatory note. The citation “[AG/RSL/1/2004]” indicates internal administrative tracking for the revision process.
Practical takeaway for practitioners: the notice is a commencement notice for a legislative compilation. When advising clients, preparing pleadings, or drafting submissions, counsel should ensure that the subsidiary legislation relied upon corresponds to the version in force at the relevant time, and that the revised edition’s commencement date is properly accounted for.
How Is This Legislation Structured?
Structurally, this instrument is relatively brief. It follows the typical format of Singapore legislative notices under the Revised Edition of the Laws Act:
(a) Title and status: “Notice under Section 17(5)” and a statement that it is the current version as at a specified date (here, 27 March 2026).
(b) Enacting formula: It sets out the legal basis for the notice and frames the Commissioners’ actions.
(c) The schedule / main text: The substantive content is contained in a short paragraph beginning with “Whereas…” and concluding with “Now, therefore…”—a standard legislative style for notices.
(d) Date and signature: The notice is dated and signed by the Chairman.
Although the metadata indicates “Parts: N/A” and “Key Sections: ” (blank), the instrument’s operative content is effectively the single commencement statement. There are no detailed substantive provisions because the notice’s function is administrative: it brings the revised edition into legal effect.
Who Does This Legislation Apply To?
This notice applies broadly in the sense that it affects how subsidiary legislation is treated for legal purposes. It does not impose direct obligations on a particular class of persons (such as employers, licensees, or regulated entities). Instead, it affects the legal status of the compiled text of subsidiary legislation made under specified Acts.
Accordingly, the practical “audience” includes all persons who rely on subsidiary legislation—courts, tribunals, government agencies, legal practitioners, and members of the public. If a dispute turns on the wording of a subsidiary regulation, the relevant question is which version was in force at the material time. This notice helps establish that the 2004 revised edition became effective on 31 December 2004.
Why Is This Legislation Important?
Although the notice is short, it plays an important role in Singapore’s legal certainty framework. Revised editions are designed to ensure that the law is accessible and accurately reflects amendments. Without formal commencement notices, there could be ambiguity about whether a consolidated compilation is merely informational or has legal force.
1. Legal certainty and accurate citation
For litigation and compliance work, accurate citation is essential. Counsel often need to confirm the exact wording of subsidiary legislation. A revised edition that incorporates amendments up to a cut-off date can change the text that lawyers cite. The commencement date—here, 31 December 2004—is therefore critical for determining which version should be used when assessing conduct, liability, or procedural steps.
2. Enforcement and administrative reliance
Government agencies and regulators rely on subsidiary legislation for licensing, enforcement, and policy implementation. A revised edition coming into force ensures that enforcement officers and decision-makers are working from a consolidated and updated legal basis. While the notice itself does not change substantive policy, it supports consistent application of the law.
3. Research efficiency and risk reduction
From a practitioner’s perspective, revised editions reduce the risk of overlooking amendments. Instead of piecing together amendments from multiple sources, lawyers can consult the revised edition as a consolidated text. The notice confirms that the revised edition is not just a compilation but is brought into force on a specific date.
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 body of regulations and subsidiary instruments whose revised edition is brought into force by this notice
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.