In what circumstances does a court hearing an appeal refer a question for opinion?
A court hearing an appeal refers a question for opinion when it consists of less than five judges, and during the course of the hearing of the appeal, the court is satisfied that the appeal involves a substantial question of law as to the interpretation of the constitution, the determination of which is necessary for the disposal of the appeal. In such cases, the court shall refer the question for opinion to a court constituted as required by this clause for the purpose of deciding any case involving such a question and dispose of the appeal in conformity with such opinion.