Vidhi Codex

Bare Act

The Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994

Infrastructure1994297 sections26 chapters

This law establishes a three-tier system of local self-government in rural Kerala, creating Village, Block, and District Panchayats to manage local affairs. It applies to the entire state except for urban areas like municipal corporations and cantonments. The Act matters because it decentralizes power, allowing citizens to participate directly in decision-making and development projects at the grassroots level, ensuring that governance is closer to the people and more responsive to their needs.

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Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title, extent and commencement
  2. 2Definitions. - In this Act, unless the context, otherwise requires -

Chapter II GRAMA SABHA →

  1. 3Grama Sabha

Chapter III CONSTITUTION OF PANCHAYATS AT DIFFERENT LEVELS →

  1. 4Power of the Government in constitute and specify the name and
  2. 6Strength of Panchayats
  3. 7Composition of Village Panchayat
  4. 8Composition of Block Panchaya.: - (1) Every block Panchayat shall consist of: -
  5. 9Composition of the District Panchayat. - (1) Every district panchayat shall consist of,

Chapter IV DELIMITATION OF CONSTITUENCIES →

  1. 10Division of Panchayats into Constituencies
  2. 11Power to rectify Printing mistakes, etc. - 21[The State Election Commission

Chapter V OFFICERS AND STAFF OF STATE ELECTION COMMISSION →

  1. 12Staff of the State Election Commission
  2. 13District Election officers. - (1) The State Election shall, in consultation with the
  3. 14Electoral Registration Officer
  4. 15Assistant Electoral Registration Officer

Chapter VI PREPARATION OF ELECTORAL ROLLS →

  1. 16Electoral roll for every constituency
  2. 17Disqualifications for registration in an electoral roll
  3. 18No person to be registered in more than one constituency
  4. 19No person to be registered more than once in any constituency
  5. 20Conditions of registrations
  6. 21Meaning of ‘ordinarily resident- (1) A person shall not be deemed to be ordinarily
  7. 22Preparation and revision of electoral rolls
  8. 23Correction of entries in electoral rolls
  9. 24Inclusion of names in electoral rolls
  10. 25Appeals
  11. 26Fee for applications and appeals. - Every application under section 23 or section
  12. 27Making false declarations. - If any person makes in connection with -
  13. 28Breach of official duty in connection with the preparation etc., of electoral rolls.-

Chapter VII QUALIFICATIONS AND DISQUALIFICATIONS →

  1. 29Qualifications for membership of a Panchayat
  2. 30Disqualification of officers and employees of Government, local authorities etc.
  3. 31Disqualification of persons convicted for certain offences
  4. 32Disqualification on ground of corrupt practices
  5. 33Disqualification for failure to lodge account of election expenses. - If the State Election
  6. 34Disqualification of candidates.
  7. 35Disqualifications of members. - * (1) Subject to the provisions of section 36, or section
  8. 36Determination of subsequent disqualification of a member. - (1)
  9. 37Restoration of membership.

Chapter VIII NOTIFICATION OF GENERAL ELECTIONS AND ADMINISTRATIVE →

  1. 38MACHINERY FOR THE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS.
  2. 39Delegation of functions of State Election Commission. - The functions of the
  3. 40Provided that the commission shall have power to examine any such decision taken by the Secretary either suo moto or on the basis of any complaint, and take suitable decision thereon.
  4. 41Returning Officers
  5. 42Assistant Returning Officers
  6. 43Returning officer to include assistant returning officers performing the
  7. 44General duty of the returning officer
  8. 45Provision of polling stations
  9. 46Commission may direct a list showing the polling stations so provided and the polling areas or groups of voters for which they have respectively been provided.
  10. 47General duty of the presiding officer:
  11. 48Duties of a polling officer:
  12. 48AReturning Officer, Presiding Officer etc. be deemed to be on

Chapter IX CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS →

  1. 49Appointment of dates for nominations, etc.
  2. 50Public notice of election
  3. 51Nomination of candidates for election
  4. 52Panchayat shall not be nominated as a candidate for another constituency in the same Panchayat.
  5. 53Provided that not more than three nomination papers shall be presented by or on behalf of any candidate or accepted by the returning officer.
  6. 54Notice of nominations and the time and place for their security
  7. 55Scrutiny of nominations
  8. 56Withdrawal of candidature
  9. 57Publication of list of contesting candidates
  10. 58Election agents
  11. 59Disqualification for being an election agent
  12. 60Revocation of the appointment or death of an election agent
  13. 61Functions of election agents
  14. 62Appointment of polling agents
  15. 63Appointment of Counting Agents
  16. 64Revocation of the appointment of death of a polling agent or a counting agent. - (1)
  17. 65Functions of polling agents and counting agents
  18. 66Attendance of a contesting candidate or his election agent at polling stations and
  19. 67Non-attendance of polling or counting agents
  20. 68Death of candidate before poll
  21. 69Procedure in contested and uncontested elections
  22. 70Fixing time for poll
  23. 71Adjournment of poll in emergencies
  24. 72State Election Commission may direct the date, place and hours of polling fixed under sub- section (2).
  25. 73Countermanding of election or adjournment of poll on the ground of booth capturing. - (1)
  26. 74Manner of voting at lection
  27. 75Special procedure for preventing personation of electors.
  28. 76Right to vote. - (1) No person who is not, and except as expressly provided by this
  29. 77Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to a person subjected to preventive detention under any law for the time being in force.
  30. 78Destruction, loss etc. of ballot papers at the time of counting. - 1) If at any
  31. 79Equality of votes
  32. 80Declaration of results
  33. 81Report of the result
  34. 82The name or names of the elected candidate or candidates shall also be published on the notice board of the panchayat concerned.
  35. 83Publication of results of general elections to the panchayat
  36. 83ACessation of membership
  37. 84Commission’s decision thereon shall be final.
  38. 85Account of election expenses and maximum thereof
  39. 86Lodging of accounts [with the officer authorised by the State Election

Chapter X DISPUTES REGARDING ELECTION →

  1. 87Election petitions
  2. 88The Court competent to try election petitions
  3. 89Presentation of petitions
  4. 90Parties to the petition. - A petitioner shall join as respondents to his petition.
  5. 91Contents of petition. - (1) An election petition -
  6. 92Relief that may be claimed by the petitioner
  7. 93Trial of election petition
  8. 94Procedure before the court
  9. 95Documentary evidence
  10. 96Secrecy of voting not be infringed
  11. 97Answering of criminating questions and certificate of indemnity
  12. 98Expenses of witnesses
  13. 99Recrimination when seat claimed
  14. 100Decision of the court. - At the conclusion of the trial of an election petition the court shall make an order
  15. 101Other orders to be made by the court
  16. 102Grounds for declaring election to be void
  17. 103Grounds for which a candidate other than the returned candidate may
  18. 104Procedure in case of an equality of votes
  19. 105Communication of orders of the court
  20. 106Transmission of order to the appropriate authority etc., and its publication.
  21. 107Election Commission may deem fit.
  22. 108Withdrawal of election petitions
  23. 109Procedure for withdrawal of election petition
  24. 110Report of withdrawal by the court to the State Election Commission.
  25. 111Abatement of election petitions
  26. 112Abatement or substitution on death of respondent
  27. 113Appeals
  28. 114Procedure in appeal
  29. 115Security for costs
  30. 116Security for costs from a respondent
  31. 117Costs
  32. 118Payment of costs out of security deposits and return of such deposits.
  33. 119Execution of orders as to costs

Chapter XI CORRUPT PRACTICES AND ELECTORAL OFFENCES →

  1. 120Corrupt practices. - The following shall be deemed to be corrupt practices for the purposes of this Act
  2. 121Promoting enmity between classes in connection with election.
  3. 122Prohibition of public meetings on the day preceding the lection day and
  4. 123Disturbances at election meetings.
  5. 124Restrictions on the printing of pamphlet, posters, etc.
  6. 125Maintenance of Secrecy of voting.
  7. 126Officers, etc. at elections not to act for candidates or to influence voting
  8. 127Prohibition of canvassing in or near polling stations.
  9. 128Penalty for disorderly conduct in or near polling stations.
  10. 129Penalty for misconduct at the polling station.
  11. 130Penalty for failure to observe procedure for voting.
  12. 131Penalty for illegal hiring or procuring of conveyances at elections
  13. 132List of officers and staff of the Government Departments, local self Government
  14. 133Breaches of official duty in connection with elections.
  15. 134Requisitioning of premises etc. for election purposes,
  16. 135Penalty for Government servants or servants of a local self
  17. 136Removal of ballot papers from polling station to be an offence
  18. 137Offence of booth capturing
  19. 138Other offences and penalties thereof.
  20. 146Any person guilty of an electoral offence under this section shall, -
  21. 149For the purposes of this section, a person shall be deemed to be on official duty if his duty is to take part

Chapter XIII GENERAL PROVISIONS REGARDING ELECTIONS →

  1. 149For the purposes of this section, a person shall be deemed to be on official duty if his duty is to take part
  2. 150Special elections
  3. 151Commission may fix.

Chapter XIV PROVISION RELATING TO MEMBERS AND PRESIDENT OF PANCHAYATS →

  1. 153Election of President and Vice-President. - (1) In every Panchayat there shall
  2. 154President of a Panchayat at any level shall be co-extensive with the duration of that Panchayat.
  3. 155Resignation of President, Vice-President or members
  4. 156Function of President and Vice-President
  5. 157Motion of no confidence
  6. 158Right of individual members
  7. 160Honorarium] to members to Panchayats and other perquisites of the

Chapter XV MEETINGS, POWERS, FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND PROPERTY OF →

  1. 161Meetings of Panchayats.- (1) The meetings of a Panchayat at any level shall be
  2. 162Standing Committees
  3. 163Constitution of Functional Committees
  4. 164Sub-Committees and Ward Committees
  5. 165Constitution of joint Committee
  6. 166Powers, duties and functions of village panchayat
  7. 167Transfer to villagepanchayats of functions, institutions or works. - (1)
  8. 168Maintenance of common dispensaries, child welfare centres, etc.-
  9. 171Vesting of community property or income in village panchayats. - any
  10. 172Powers, duties and functions of block panchayats
  11. 173Power, duties and functions of district panchayats. - (1)
  12. 174Substituted by Act Aided by Act 13 of Inserted by Act 13 Inserted by Act 13 of 1999.
  13. 175Preparation of development plans by panchayats
  14. 176Entrustment of schemes to panchayats for implementation. -(1)
  15. 177Power to accept donations and trusts.
  16. 178Acquisition of immovable property required by the panchayat

Chapter XVI OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES OF PANCHAYATS →

  1. 179Appointment of Secretaries. - (1) For every panchayat there shall be appointed a
  2. 180Officers and employees of Panchayat. - (1) The officers and employees of the
  3. 181Power of the Government to lend the service of their officers and
  4. 182Powers and functions of the Secretary
  5. 183Exercise of functions of Secretary by other officers in certain cases. - The
  6. 184Secretary in his absence.
  7. 185Channel of Correspondence

Chapter XVII FINANCE COMMISSION AND ITS POWERS →

  1. 186Finance Commission

Chapter XVIII FUNCTION OF THE GOVERNMENT →

  1. 187Administrative set up of Panchayat
  2. 188Grama Sabhas.
  3. 188ATechnical supervision and inspection
  4. 189General power of Government to issue guidelines and to conduct enquiry. - (1)
  5. 190Power or take action for default by a Panchayat President, or Secretary
  6. 191Panchayat admit, be bound to comply with the order made by the Government under that sub- section.
  7. 193Government and it shall be so laid within forty five days from the first day of that session.
  8. 194Powers of officers taking action on behalf of or in default of Panchayat

Chapter XIX FINANCE AND TAXATION →

  1. 195Grants and shares of Taxes.
  2. 196Grants and loans for schemes and projects
  3. 196AKerala Local Authorities Loans Act, 1963 (30 of 1963) and the rules made there under shall apply.
  4. 197Power of Panchayat to raise loan
  5. 198Power of Panchayat to collect fixed fees
  6. 199Surcharge on tax on direction by the Government
  7. 200Taxes cess etc, which may be levied by village panchayat
  8. 202Basic tax grant. - (1) The government shall pay annually, as recommended by the
  9. 203Property Tax
  10. 204Profession tax
  11. 205Collection of profession tax by employers
  12. 205BRequisition on owner or occupier to furnish list of persons liable to tax. - The
  13. 205CRequisition on employers or their representatives to furnish list. - The
  14. 205FAssessment of profession tax by head of office etc
  15. 205GIssue of receipt for remittance
  16. 205KPenalty for non-payment of tax
  17. 207Exemption from Tax, Cess, etc
  18. 208Surcharge on
  19. 209Tax on advertisement
  20. 210Recovery of arrears of tax, cess, etc
  21. 211Provided further that, if for any reason the distraint or a sufficient distraint of a defaulter’s property is impracticable, the Secretary may prosecute the defaulter before a Magistrate.
  22. 212Panchayat funds. - (1) Every Panchayat shall constitute a fund in accordance with provisions of this section
  23. 213Items of expenditure debitable to panchayat fund.
  24. 214Preparation and sanction of Budget
  25. 215Accounts and audit
  26. 216Contribution to the expenditure by other local Self Government Institutions. -
  27. 217Recovery of loans and advances made by Government
  28. 218Vesting of watercourse, springs, reservoirs, etc., in Village Panchayats. - (1)
  29. 219Contributions from persons having control over places of pilgrimage
  30. 219CContract with owner or occupier for removal of rubbish or filth
  31. 219DIntroduction of house-to-house collection of rubbish
  32. 219GProvision for processing of solid wastes
  33. 219HRemoval of rubbish and solid waste accumulated on non-residential premises. -
  34. 220Prohibition of constructions in or over public roads, etc
  35. 221Public markets - The village panchayat may, provide places, or use as public markets or close any such market or part thereof
  36. 222Licensing of private markets:
  37. 223Levy of fees by licensees of private markets
  38. 224Prohibition of sale in unlicensed private markets, etc.
  39. 225Prohibition of sale in public roads
  40. 226Prevention of person suffering from contagious diseases from entering
  41. 227Public landing places and cart-stands, etc
  42. 228Provided that the previous sanction of the Regional transport Authority shall be obtained before any stand or halting place for motor vehicles is opened.
  43. 229Public slaughter houses
  44. 230Licence for slaughter houses
  45. 231Slaughter of animals for sale as food and power of Inspection. -
  46. 232Purpose for which places may not be used without a license
  47. 233Permission for the construction of factories and the installation of machinery
  48. 233BExemptions:
  49. 233CConsultation with the panchayat for opening Government industrial
  50. 234Power of Government to make rules in respect of the grant and renewal of
  51. 234BAdministrative powers of the panchayat in respect of the existing water
  52. 234CThe power of the panchayat in the preparation and execution of

Chapter XXI BUILDINGS →

  1. 235G. Requirement of prior approval of site
  2. 235ASecretary may, by notice, require him to put the number again.
  3. 235CPower of village panchayat to regulate further construction of certain
  4. 235VApplication of the Provisions to alteration and additions

Chapter XXI A →

  1. 236General provisions regarding licenses and permissions. - (1) Save as
  2. 237Government not to obtain licence and permission
  3. 238Notice, Orders, Permission etc.
  4. 239Power of Panchayat for carrying out their functions
  5. 240Notices etc.
  6. 241Powers of entry and inspection
  7. 242Power to call for information from village officers. - (1) The Secretary of a
  8. 243Limitation for recovery of dues
  9. 244Writing of irrecoverable amounts
  10. 245Prosecutions, suits etc.
  11. 246Composition of offence
  12. 247Prosecutions and compositions to be reported to Panchayats. - Every
  13. 248Sanction for prosecution of President, Vice-president, Chairman of a
  14. 249Institutions of suits against authorities of Panchayats, their officers etc. - (1)
  15. 250Protection of Acts done in good faith. -
  16. 251Assessment etc. not to be impeached
  17. 252Duties of Police Officers. - (1) It shall be the duty of every police officer, -
  18. 253Act, 1960 (5 of 1961).

Chapter XXII RULES, BYE LAWS AND PENALTIES FOR THEIR BREACH →

  1. 254Powers of Government to make rules
  2. 255Penalties for breach of rules
  3. 256Bye-laws and penalties for the breach thereof

Chapter XXIII PENALTIES →

  1. 257General provisions regarding penalties specified in schedule: - (1) Whoever-
  2. 258Penalty for acting as President Vice President or member of a
  3. 259Penalty for acquisition by an officer or employee
  4. 260Wrongful restraint of Secretary or his delegate
  5. 261Prohibition of obstruction of Panchayat etc
  6. 262Prohibition of removal or obliteration of notice
  7. 263Penalty for not giving information or giving false information
  8. 264Fines to be credited to Panchayat

Chapter XXIV REGISTRATION OF TUTORIAL INSTIUTIONS →

  1. 265Definitions. - In this Chapter, -
  2. 266Registration of Tutorial Institutions
  3. 267Village Panchayat in the prescribed manner along with fee.
  4. 268267.

Chapter XXV REGISTERATION OF PRIVATE HOSPITALS AND PARAMEDICAL →

  1. 269Definition. - In this chapter, -
  2. 270Registration of Private hospitals and private para-medical institutions. - (1)
  3. 271Collection of fees by the village panchayat

Chapter XXV B →

  1. 271LRevenue Recovery Proceedings as if it were an arrears of land revenue.
  2. 271MInvestigation

Chapter XXVI SUPPLEMENTAL PROVISIONS →

  1. 272Public Roads, markets, wells, tanks, etc. to be open to all. - All roads,
  2. 273Power to farm out fees
  3. 274Extension of provisions of the Municipal laws or of the rules thereunder. -
  4. 275Delegation of powers etc., - (1) The Government may, by notification in the
  5. 276The Government shall also have power to control and revise the acts or proceedings of any person so empowered.
  6. 277Construction of reference to Panchayat and District Council. -
  7. 278Reference to Presidents in other enactments and in notifications etc.
  8. 279Village Panchayat to regulate the use of contain porambokes.
  9. 280Power to remove difficulties
  10. 281Offences by companies
  11. 282Adjudication of disputes between Panchayats
  12. 283Panchayat involved in the dispute and shall not be liable to be questioned in any court of law.
  13. 284Repeal and Savings. - (1) In this section unless the context otherwise requires -
  14. 285Village Panchayats assume office under this Act, whichever is earlier.

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