What is dispensation in the context of the Grand Lodge of Antient, Free & Accepted Masons for India?
A dispensation is a formal permission granted by the appropriate authority, such as the Grand Master or the Regional Grand Master, to allow a Lodge to deviate from certain established rules or norms. For example, under Rule 90A, if a Lodge is unable to elect or install a Master on the prescribed day in its bye-laws, the Regional Grand Master may grant a dispensation to hold that meeting on a different day, not more than 14 days before or after the scheduled date.
Furthermore, under Rule 116, emergency meetings of a Lodge may also be held after obtaining a dispensation from the Regional Grand Master to conduct urgent business. Each dispensation must specify the conditions under which it is granted and any limitations on the business that can be transacted.