23. Election of Chief Councillor and Deputy Chief Councillor.
(1)The Councillors shall, in the first meeting under Section 35, [under supervision, direction and control of the State Election Commission, elect] [Substituted 'elect in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed' by Bihar Act No. 7 of 2011, dated 27.5.2011.] from amongst the Councillors to be the Chief Councillor and Deputy Chief Councillor who shall assume office forthwith after taking the oath of secrecy under Section 24.(2)[ If the Councillors fail to elect a Chief Councillor under Sub-section (1), the State Government shall suspend the Board of Councillors and appoint an Administrator. The Board of Councillors shall remain suspended till such time the Councillors elect the Chief Councillor or till the tenure of the municipal Councilors is over, whichever is earlier.] [Substituted by Bihar Act No. 7 of 2011, dated 27.5.2011.](3)In the case of any casual vacancy in the office of the Chief Councillor [or, deputy chief councillor] [Added by Bihar Act No. 7 of 2011, dated 27.5.2011.] caused by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the Councillors shall, in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed, elect one of the Councillors to fill up the vacancy [and the Chief Councillor or the Deputy Chief Councillor so elected shall continue in office for the unexpired term of his predecessor] [Inserted by Bihar Act No. 7 of 2011, dated 27.5.2011.].(4)[ If any casual vacancy occurs in the office of the Member of the Empowered Standing Committee, the Chief Councillor shall as soon as may, after the occurrence of such vacancy, nominate one of the elected members of the Municipality to fill the vacancy and every Councillor so nominated shall continue in office for the unexpired term of his predecessor.] [Added by Bihar Act No. 7 of 2011, dated 27.5.2011.]
