(1)In the event of the death, resignation or removal or absence on leave of the Chief Judge or of his being incapacitated by illness or otherwise from the performance of his duties, or of his absence from the City of Calcutta, the Judge of the City Civil Court next in order of seniority according to the period of [service in the West Bengal Higher Judicial Service] [Words substituted by West Bengal Act 17 of 1959.], who may be present, shall, without relinquishing his ordinary duties, assume charge of the office of the Chief Judge, and shall continue in charge thereof until the office is resumed by the Chief Judge or assumed by a person appointed thereto.
