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"8. It is settled that for interpreting a particular provision of an Act, the import and effect of the meaning of the words and phrases used in the statute have to be gathered from the text, the nature of the subject-matter and the purpose and intention of the statute. It is a cardinal principle of construction of a statute that effort should be made in construing its provisions by avoiding a conflict and adopting a harmonious construction. The statute or rules made thereunder should be read as a whole and one provision should be construed with reference to the other provision to make the provision consistent with the object sought to be achieved. The 2026:JHHC:5555-DB well-known principle of harmonious construction is that effect should be given to all the provisions and a construction that reduces one of the provisions to a "dead letter" is not harmonious construction. With respect to law relating to interpretation of statutes this Court in Union of India v. Filip Tiago De Gama of Vedem Vasco De Gama [(1990) 1 SCC 277] held: (SCC p. 284, para 16)

22. Thus, the literal interpretation of the words "heard and decided" will not serve the object sought to be achieved by the introducing legislature in Section 100-A of CPC vide 2002 amendment. Therefore, 2026:JHHC:5555-DB the said provision has to be given harmonious/purposive construction.

23. We are of the considered view that the words "heard and decided" as appear in section 100-A of CPC should not to be construed in isolation, rather Section 100-A should be construed in its entirety to achieve the real and meaningful purpose of the said section.