Section 7(2) in The West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973
(2)There shall be held a general election for the constitution of a Gram Panchayat within a period not exceeding five years from the date of the previous general election held for the Gram Panchayat:] ['Explanation' inserted by W.B. Act 15 of 1997.][Provided that if the first meeting of the newly-formed Gram Panchayat cannot be held before the expiry of the period of five years under sub-section (1), the State Government may, by order, appoint any authority, person or persons to exercise and perform, subject to such conditions as may be specified in the order, the powers and functions of the Gram Panchayat under this Act or any other law for the time being in force, for a period not exceeding three months or until the date on which such first meeting of the newly-formed Gram Panchayat is held, whichever is earlier.] [Added by W.B. Act 8 of 2010.]
