12. Term of office of members, Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha.
(1)The term of office of the members of the Gram Panchayat shall, subject to the provisions of section 21, be four years computed from the date of the first meeting of the Gram Panchayat at which a quorum is present :Provided that the prescribed authority may, by notification, extend the term by such period not exceeding [three years] [Words substituted for the words 'one year' by W.B. Act 8 of 1964.] as may be specified in the notification :Provided further that notwithstanding anything contained in this section, every member of the Gram Panchayat shall continue to hold office until the first meeting of the newly formed Gram Panchayat after a fresh election at which a quorum is present.(2)An elected Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha of a Gram Panchayat shall, subject to the provisions of sections 18 and 19, hold office for four years from the date of his election as Adhyaksha or Upadhyaksha, as the case may be.(3)Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (2), an elected Adhyaksha and Upadhyaksha shall be deemed to have vacated office as soon as the newly formed Gram Panchayat has assembled at the meeting held under the provisions of sub-section (6) of section 11.
