18. Temporary vacancy in the office of the District Judge.
- In the event of death of a District Judge or his absence from civil district on leave or in the event of his being prevented from performing his duties by illness or other cause, senior most Judge, according to cadre seniority as per hierarchy or the cadres, shall assume charge of the District Court, without interruption to his ordinary duties; and while so in charge, shall perform the duties of a District Judge with respect to the filing of suits and appeals, receiving pleadings, petitions, execution of processes, return of writs and the like; and shall further have power and jurisdiction to dispose of emergent interlocutory matters of such nature, as the High Court may by rules prescribe and the Judge so in charge shall continue in such charge until the office of the District Judge has been resumed or assumed by an officer duly appointed thereto.
