(1)The Board of Councilors, [in its first meeting under section 50B] [Substituted by the West Bengal Act XLV of 1994, w.e.f. 10.10.1994 for 'whether elected or appointed]. shall elect in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed, one of its [elected] [Inserted by the West Bengal Act XLV of 1994, w.e.f. 10 10.1994.] members to be the Chairman who shall assume office forthwith [after taking oath of secrecy under section 50A] [Inserted by the West Bengal Act XLV of 1994, w.e.f. 10 10.1994.].(2)If the Board of Councilors fails to elect a Chairman in the manner prescribed, the State Government shall appoint by name one of the Councilors to be the Chairman.(3)In the case of any casual vacancy in the office of the Chairman caused by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the Board of Councilors shall, in accordance with such procedure as may be prescribed, elect one of the Councilors to fill up the vacancy.(4)In the case of casual vacancies in the offices of both the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman caused by death, resignation, removal or otherwise, the State Government may appoint by name one of the Councilors to be the Chairman who shall hold office until a Chairman, elected under the provisions of sub-section (3), [enters upon his office :] [Substituted by s. 8(2) of the West Bengal Municipal (Amendment) Act, 2002 (West Bengal Act 16 of 2002), w.e.f. 15.9.2004, for the words 'enters upon his office.'.][Provided that the Chairman appointed under this sub-section shall hold meeting of the Board of Councilors within thirty days from the date of taking over his charge for the purpose of election of the new Chairman under sub-section (3) in such manner as may be prescribed.] [Proviso inserted by ibid, w.e.f. 15.9.2004.]
