The judgment of the Supreme Court in the 16th Presidential Reference has been criticised and praised in equal measure, with the repercussions from this verdict analysed threadbare. The core issue concerns the fixing of timelines to the functions of high constitutional authorities. While the reasoning in the judgment signals judicial deference to the written constitutional language, it also comes across as an abdication of the ultimate judicial function: to interpret the Constitution in accordance with the changing times. Such hesitation does not bode well for a court that is endowed with tremendous constitutional powers of judicial review.

It is common knowledge that the Constitution of India is silent when it comes to prescribing timelines for the actions contemplated to be exercised by

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