Officer authorised to hear election petitions

The election petitions under this Act shall be heard- (i) in the case of Gram Panchayats and Panchayat Samitis, by the Sub-Divisional Officer; and (ii) in the case of members of Zila Parishads, by the Deputy Commissioner; and (iii) in the case of Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Zila Parishad, by the Commissioner.