(1) If, in the opinion of the State Government, a panchayat exceeds or abuses its

powers or is incompetent to perform or makes persistent default in the performance of the duties imposed on it or functions entrusted to it under any provision of this Act or by or under any other law for the time being in force, or fails to obey an order made under this Act by the panchayat superior thereto or by the State Government or any officer authorised by it, under this Act or persistently disobeys any of such orders, the State Government may, after consultation with the district panchayat in the case of a panchayat subordinate to it and after giving the panchayat an opportunity of rendering an explanation, by order in the Official Gazette-

1. (i) dissolve such panchayat, or
2. (ii) supersede such panchayat for the period specified in the order: Provided that such period shall not be longer than six months or the residual period of duration of such panchayat whichever is less: Default in performance of duty. Dissolution or supersession of panchayats for default.

1993 : Guj. 18] Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993. 95

Provided further that the State Government may subject to, the preceding proviso from time to time after making such inquiry as it may consider necessary by an order published in the Official Gazette, extend the period of supersession of such panchayat until such date as may be specified in the order or by like order curtail the period of supersession.

1. (2) When a panchayat is dissolved or superseded, all members of the panchayat shall from the date specified in the order, vacate their office as such members.
2. (3) When the panchayat is dissolved or superseded, it shall be reconstituted, in the manner provided in this Act.
3. (4) If a panchayat is dissolved or superseded—
   • (a) all the powers and duties of the panchayat shall during the period of dissolution or supersession, as the case may be, exercised and performed by such person or persons as the State Government may from time to time appoint in that behalf, and
   • (b) all property vested in the panchayat shall during the period of dissolution or supersession, as the case may be, vest in the State Government; and
   • (c) on the dissolution, or, as the case may be, on the expiry of the period of supersession, the panchayat shall be reconstituted in the manner provided in this Act, and the persons vacating office shall be eligible for re-election.