(1) When a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the hereditary trustee or a pujari, as the case may be, of a Hindu Public Religious Institution and a Charitable Endowment, the next in the line of succession shall be entitled to succeed to the office.
(2) When temporary vacancy occurs in such an office by reason of the suspension of hereditary trustee or pujari, as the case may be, under sub-section (1) of section 19 or by reason of his ceasing to hold office under the provisions of section 20, the next in the line of succession shall be appointed by the Commissioner to discharge the functions of the trustee, or as the case may be, of the pujari, until his disability ceases.
(3) When a permanent or temporary vacancy occurs in such an office and there is a dispute relating to the right of succession to the office, or when such vacancy cannot be filled up immediately or when there is a dispute relating to the person who is entitled to act as such, the Commissioner may appoint a fit person to discharge the functions of the trustee, or as the case may be, of the pujari, of the religious institution and endowment, until the disability of the hereditary trustee or pujari ceases or another hereditary THE HIMACHAL PRADESH HINDU PUBLIC RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS AND CHARITABLE ENDOWMENTS ACT, 1984 16 trustee or pujari succeeds to the office or for such shorter term as the Commissioner may direct.
Explanation.- In making any appointment under this sub-section the Commissioner shall have due regard to the claims of the members of the family, if any, entitled to the succession.
CHAPTER VI BUDGET AND MAINTENANCE OF ACCOUNTS