21. Transitional provision.- Nothing in this Act shall affect the continuance of the Panchayats under the principal Act which are in existence immediately before the commencement of this Act, or the exercise by them of the powers and functions under the principal Act as amended by this Act, till such time as the Sabha areas are demarcated, Sabhas therein are established and constituted and Gram Panchayats are elected in accordance with the provisions of this Act and the aforesaid Panchayats shall continue so to exist as if this Act had not been passed and to exercise the powers and functions accordingly.
