Terms and conditions of service of Chairman and members

(1) A person appointed as Chairman, Vice-Chairman or member (other than an ex-officio member) shall, unless he becomes disqualified for continuing as such under the rules made under this Act hold office for such term as may be specified in the order of appointment which shall not exceed three years and shall be eligible for re-appointment as Chairman, Vice-Chairman or member as the case may be, for another term of three years only : Provided that in no case the Chairman, Vice-Chairman or other member shall hold office beyond the age of sixty years. (2) The Chairman, Vice-Chairman or a member (other than an ex-officio member) may resign his office by writing under his hand addressed to the Government and every such resignation shall take effect from the date on which it is accepted by the Government. (3) The Chairman, the Vice-Chairman or a member, other than an ex-officio member, shall not be removed from his office except by an order of the Government passed on the ground of willful omission or refusal to carry out the provisions of this Act or abuse of the powers vested in him and after due inquiry by such person who is or has been a Judge of a High Court or the Supreme Court as may be appointed by the Government, in which such Chairman, Vice-Chairman or member shall have an opportunity of making his representation against such removal. (4) If a casual vacancy occurs in the office of the Chairman, whether by reason of his death, resignation or inability to discharge his functions owing to illness or other incapacity the Vice-Chairman holding office as such for the time being shall act as the Chairman and shall, unless any other person is appointed earlier as the Chairman, hold the office of the Chairman for the remainder of the term of office of the person in whose place he is to so act: Provided that where no Vice-Chairman is holding office at the time when the vacancy in the office of the Chairman occurs, the Government shall , appoint any other member to act as the Chairman and the person so appointed shall not hold the office of the Chairman for a period exceeding six months. (5) If a casual vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice-Chairman or any other member, whether by reason of his death, resignation or inability to discharge his functions owing to illness or other incapacity, such vacancy shall be filled by the Government by making a fresh appointment and the member so appointed shall hold office for a term of three years. (6) The office of the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman shall be whole-time and salaried and subject thereto, the terms and conditions of service of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman and other members shall be such as may be prescribed.