Section 7(1) in The Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act, 1959
(1)There shall be held at least [four meetings] [These words were substituted for the words 'six meetings' by Maharashtra 16 of 2012, Section 2(1)(a) (w.e.f. 2-10-2012).] of the Gram sabha [every financial year] [These words were substituted for the words 'every year' by Maharashtra 36 of 1965, Section 4(a).] on such date, at such [time and place, and in such manner] [These words were substituted for the words 'time and place' by Maharashtra 36 of 1965, Section 2(b).], as may be prescribed [and if the] [These words were added by Maharashtra 36 of 1965, Section 4(a).] Sarpanch, or in his absence the Upa-Sarpanch fails without sufficient cause, to [hold [any of such four meetings he shall be disqualified for continuing as Sarpanch or, as the case may be, Upa-Sarpanch or for being chosen as such for the remainder of the term of office of the members [of the panchayat;] [These words were substituted for the words 'hold such two meetings' by Maharashtra 38 of 1973 Section 2.] and the Secretary of the panchayat shall also if, prima facie, found responsible of any lapse in convening such meeting, be liable to be suspended, and for being proceeded against, for such other disciplinary action as provided under the relevant rules.] The decision of the Collector on the question whether or not there was such sufficient cause shall be final]:[Provided that, the Sarpanch may, at any time of his own motion, and shall, on requisition of the Standing Committee, Panchayat Samiti, or Chief Executive Officer, call a meeting of the Gram sabha within the period specified in the requisition; and, on the failure to do so, the Chief Executive Officer shall require the Block Development Officer to call the meeting within fifteen days from the date he is so required to do. The meeting shall, notwithstanding the provisions of sub-section (3), be presided over by him or any officer authorised by the Block Development Officer, in that behalf] [This proviso was substituted for the original by Maharashtra 36 of 1965, Section 4(b).]:[Provided further that, a period of not more than [four months] [These provisos were inserted by Maharashtra 3 of 2003, Section 2(a)(ii).] shall be allowed to elapse between the two meetings of the Gram sabha:Provided also that, if the Sarpanch or Upa-Sarpanch, as the case may be, fails to call any such meeting within the specified period, the Secretary shall call the meeting and it shall be presumed that, such meeting has been called with the concurrence of the Sarpanch or, as the case may be, Upa-Sarpanch.]
