The answer to this question depends on the issues involved. It is generally a relative matter.
For example, if “arbitration” is the issue or subject, then the Arbitration and Conciliation Act will be considered as the “general” legislation on that subject; and, if the Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology Act, 2007, contains an “arbitration” clause or provision then that Act will be considered as a “special” legislation for the purposes of that issue.
Another example is: on the subject of “crime”, the Indian Penal Code is the general legislation as it handles crimes in a general way; on the other hand, Prevention of Corruption Act may be a special legislation on that subject as it deals with a specific type of crime.
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