Term of panchayats
Also called: Article 243E · Topic: Panchayati Raj: Rural Local Government · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 8 "Local Governments"
Meaning
Under Article 243E, every panchayat has a five-year term. If it is dissolved early, a new panchayat must be elected within six months. The new body serves only the rest of the five years, not a fresh full term. Panchayats were often dissolved or their elections postponed before 1992, so this rule matters.
Example
In Kishansing Tomar (2006), the Supreme Court said panchayat elections must be held on time. Only extraordinary events, such as a natural calamity, can justify a delay.
Don't confuse with
- Term of municipalities (Article 243U): a municipality must be given a hearing before it is dissolved. Part IX gives panchayats no such right.
Related concepts
- Bar on courts in panchayat electoral matters
- State Election Commission
- Two-child norm for panchayat candidates
- Educational qualification for panchayat candidates