Explain the Rule of Noscitur a Sociis . What are the conditions when this rule will not apply?

' Noscitur a Sociis ' means "It is known by its associates". In other words, meaning of a word should be known from its accompanying or associating words. It is not a sound principle in interpretation of statutes, to lay emphasis on one word disjuncted from its preceding and succeeding words. A word in a statutory provision is to be read in collocation with its companion words. The pristine principle based on the maxim ' noscitur a sociis ' has much relevance in understanding the import of words in a statutory provision ( K. Bhagirathi G. Shenoy v. K.P. Ballakuraya, AIR 1999 SC 2143 ). The rule states that where two or more words which are susceptible of analogous meaning are coupled together, they are understood in their cognate sense. It is only where the intention of the legislature in associating wider words with words of narrower significance, is doubtful that the present rule of construction can be usefully applied. The same words bear the same meaning in the same statute. The above mentioned rule will not apply: When the context excluded that principle. If sufficient reason can be assigned, it is proper to construe a word in one part of an Act in a different sense from that which it bears in another part of the Act. Where it would cause injustice or absurdity. Where different circumstances are being dealt with. Where the words are used in a different context.