Extension of the term of office of elected members

D. The Government whenever they deem or find it expedient so to do may, by notification extend from time to time the term of office of the elected members, including that of the Chairman of all or any of the Samitis * * * so however that the total extension in respect of any Samiti * * * does not in the aggregate exceed two years:] Provided that-

1. (a) notwithstanding anything contained in any other provision of this Act, if at any time, the Government, either on petition filed in that behalf or upon their own motion, are satisfied that the holding of a free and fair election for reconstituting all or any of the Samitis * * * is likely to be hampered due to the activities of the elected members including that of the Chairman of any such Samiti * * * ,they may, in the general interest of the public, by notification, reduce the term of office of the said elected members and the Chairman as extended under this section by such period as they deem fit and thereupon the members and the Chairman as aforesaid shall cease to hold office;
2. (b) no such notification shall be issued more than two months prior to the holding of general election to the Grama Panchayats;
3. (c) nothing contained in section 49 shall apply in relation to the members and Chairman in respect of whom a notification has been issued under clause (a); and
4. (d) during the period beginning with the date of such notification and until the reconstitution of the Samiti * * * all or any of the powers and duties of the Samiti * * * and its Chairman shall be exercised and discharged as far as may be and to such extent as the Government may determine by such person as they may appoint in that behalf.