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Differences

M. Parthasarathy (article student) (44 Points)

15 December 2010

Can any one explain difference between Act and Law

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CA ANKUSH AGGARWAL (CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT) (2782 Points)
Replied 15 December 2010

Dear Mr M. Parthasarathy

Basically, the term "law" covers the following:

1) Constitution of India
2) Acts passed by the Parliament or State Legislature
3) Rules made under the Acts
4) Notifications issued under the Acts
5) Judgements of the Supreme Court and High Courts

Thus "Acts" are only a part of the "law". Acts by themselves do not cover entire law on the subject. For example, ESI Act provides that the rates of sickness benefit, maternity benefit etc. shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government. Accordingly, ESI (Central) Rules provide the rates of such benefit. Thus the "Act" and "Rules" have to be read together for the law.

Hope it is clear

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Lakshmi (Student) (1836 Points)
Replied 16 December 2010

In legal terms, the differences between what a law is and what an act is does not differ much. The difference between a law and an act is that a law is any system of regulations (better known as laws), that govern, or rule the conduct of the people of society or community usually for protection. Whereas an act is a constitutional plan passed by Congress or any legislature that is referred to as a “bill” until ratified and becomes a law.

Example of a Law

An example of a law is in the United States it is a federal offense to sell tobacco and alcohol products to minors. This is a law because it is meant to protect minors from using tobacco and consuming alcohol for health and safety reasons.

Example of an Act

An example of an act isThe Indian Contract Act,1872.

What is the Simplified Difference between Laws and Act?

To make it simple and easier to understand, laws exist so that citizens of the public are protected whereas acts exist so that an idea of the government is made mandatory for the public. Before an act is a law, an act is technically called a bill. In order for an act to officially become law a legislature must vote on a bill. If the bill is voted in the bill then becomes an act, thus, becoming a law.

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