History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c83.39

v7.c83.39

Vital changes may be introduced in the habits of the people by *pariṣads* or assemblies of the learned. When such assemblies cannot be constituted even the decision of one learned in *dharma* will be authoritative. The Āpastamba Dharmasūtra says *dharmajña-samayaḥ pramāṇam*.³ People who are learned and compassionate, who are practical-minded can decide the issues of right and wrong. They are the conscience of the community. What we are doing by legislative enactments is consistent with our tradition.