SC Interprets the word ‘May’ under Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881

Muskan Enterprises & Anr. Vs State of Punjab & Anr. (Supreme Court of India)

Law is well-settled that user of the verbs ‘may’ and ‘shall’ in a statute is not a sure index for determining whether such statute is mandatory or directory in character. The legislative intent has to be gathered looking into other provisions of the enactment, which can throw light to guide one towards a proper determination. Although the legislature is often found to use ‘may’, ‘shall’ or ‘must’ interchangeably, ordinarily ‘may’, having an element of discretion, is director

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