The Supreme Court ruling of April 2015 with regard to the 19th Amendment Bill1 has generated much interest and commentary. What exactly are the implications of the ruling and does it or does it not allow the curtailment of the powers of the Executive President?

This briefing note seeks to simply and concisely explain the two main principles upon which the ruling was framed and explain the implications for the executive power and office of the president. This briefing note considers the major findings of the Supreme Court pertaining to the office of the President and the extent of curtailment pronounced as being permissible without a referendum. There are a few other matters ruled on by the Supreme Court in its determination of the 19th Amendment Bill (20152) which are not dealt with here.