Sangyukta Barua

Sec B

A9011118116

Write a short note on Ejusdem Generis.

Ejusdem Generis

Ejusdem Generis means of the same kind. Generally, the words should be given their natural meaning,
unless it requires special meaning based on that context. When general words follow specific words that
are distinct in nature, the general words should also be given the specific meaning to it.

The courts will interpret such general words follow specific words in a restricted way. It will be based on
the facts and circumstances of the case which may change case to case. The legislative intent on
principle of Ejusdem Generis is if the general words to be used in the restricted sense that means those
words will be having a special meaning to it or else why would they even use specific words.

For example in an act dealing with the slaughter of animals for food for human consumption, the
expressions used are “cows, goats, sheep, and other animals”.

Whether the following animals are cover:

Cats and dogs

Poultry

Wild animals

Horseflesh

Regina v. Edmundson, 1859

It was stated by Lord Campbell “Where there were general words following particular and specific
words, the general words must be confined to things of the same kind as those specified.” By applying
this it helps judges to restrict the wide ambit of the general expression.

In this case, it gave us the basic requirements which should be present in the case in order to apply
ejusdem generis:

 The statue should contain an enumeration of specific words.

 The general term should follow the specific term.
 There should be no different intent of the legislature to the general terms.
 The series of the enumeration should constitute a class or category.
 The class or category should not be exhausted by the enumeration of specific words.