Expedient, In Words and Phrases (Permanent Edn.), Vol. 15A, Evidence-Eyewitness the word 'expedient' has been described as when used as an adjective as 'apt' and 'suitable to the end in view'; 'furthering, or adapted to further, what is purposed'; practical and efficient; as, an expedient change of policy; an expedient solution of a difficulty, hence, advantageous. The word 'expedient' occurring in the statute authorising modification, revocation under the circumstances would comprehend whatever is suitable and appropriate for any reason for the accomplishment of the specified object, Hotal Sea Civil v. State of West Bengal, (2002) 4 SCC 1(13).
The word 'expedient' used in this provision, has several shades of meaning. In one dictionary sense, 'expedient' (adj.) means 'apt and suitable to the end in view', 'practical and efficient'; 'politic'; 'profitable'; 'advisable', 'fit, proper and suitable to the circumstances of the case'. In another shade, it means a device 'characterised by mere utility rather than principle, conducive to special advantage rather than to what is universally right' (see Webster's New International Dictionary), State of Gujarat v. Jamnadas G. Pabri, (1975) 1 SCC 138: AIR 1974 SC 2233: (1975) 2 SCR 330.