(i)In an estate, or sub-division thereof, owned chiefly or altogether by Government, a successor to the office of headman shall be selected with due regard to all the considerations, other than hereditary claims, stated in rule 15:Provided that in Such an estate, or sub-division thereof notified for the purpose by the Financial Commissioner the selection shall, as far as possible, be made in the manner prescribed by sub-rule (ii) if a suitable heir is forthcoming.(ii)In other estates the nearest eligible heir according to the rules of primogeniture shall be appointed unless some special custom of succession to the office be distinctly proved, but subject in every case to the following provisions: -(a)the claim of a collateral relation of the last incumbent to succeed shall not be admitted solely on the ground of inheritance, unless the claiment is a descendant in the male line of the paternal great-grandfather of the last incumbent:(b)Where headman has been dismissed in accordance with the provisions of rule 16, the Collector may refuse to appoint any of his heirs:(1)if the circumstances of the offence, dereliction of duty, or disqualification, for which the headman was dismissed make it probable that he would be unsuitable as a headman;(2)if there is reason to believe that he has connived at the offence or dereliction of duty for which the headman has been dismissed;(3)if any disqualification for which the headman has been dismissed attaches to him;(4)if he may reasonably be supposed to be under the influence of the dismissed headman or his family to an undesirable extent.Note: - If a dismissed headman's heir is considered fit to succeed, regard shall be had to the property which he will inherit, in like manner as if he had already inherited it.(c)The Collector may also refuse to appoint person claiming as an heir on any ground which would necessitate or justify the dismissal of person from the office of the headman.(d)A female is not ordinarily eligible for the office, but may be appointed when she is the sole owner of the estate for which the appointment has to be made, or, for special reasons, in other cases.(iii)Failing the appointment of an heir/a successor to the office shall be appointed in the manner and with regard to the considerations, described in rule 15.(iv)Election shall not in any case be resorted to as an aid in making appointments under this rule and rule 14.
