Section 9(4) in The West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973
(4)When -(a)the office of the Pradhan falls vacant by reason of death, resignation, removal or otherwise, or(b)the Pradhan is, by reason of leave, illness or other cause, temporarily unable to act,the Upa-Pradhan shall exercise the powers, perform the functions and discharge the duties of the Pradhan until a new Pradhan is elected and assumes office or until the Pradhan resumes his duties, as the case may be.
