(1) If at any time the Government is of the opinion that the––
(a) Water Committee has persistently made default in the performance of the function conferred on it by or under the Act ; or
(b) circumstances exist which render it necessary in the public interest so to do,
it may, by order, suspend the Water Committee for a period not exceeding two years as may be specified in the order :
Provided that before suspending a Water Committee for the reasons mentioned in clause (a), the Government shall give a reasonable opportunity to the Committee to show cause why it should not be suspended and shall consider the explanation and objections, if any, of such Committee.
(2) Upon suspension of a Water Committee under sub-section (1), all the members shall, as from the date of suspension, vacate their offices as such and all the powers, functions and duties which may, by or under the Act be exercised, performed or discharged by the Water Committee shall, until the Water Committee is reconstituted under sub-section (3), be exercised, performed or discharged by the Assistant Executive Engineer concerned. All property owned or controlled by the Water Committee shall, until the Water Committee is reconstituted under sub-section (3), vest in the Government.
(3) On the expiration of the period of suspension specified in the order issued under sub-section (1), the Government may––
(a) extend the period of supersession for such further term not exceeding six months, as it may consider necessary; or
(b) supersede the suspended Committee and reconstitute it by holding fresh elections :
Provided that any person who vacated his office following the suspension for reasons mentioned in clause (a) of sub-section (1) shall not be deemed to be disqualified for re-election :
Provided further that the Government may at any time before the expiration of the period of suspension, whether originally specified under subsection (1) or as extended under this sub-section, take action under clause (b) of this sub-section :
Provided further that till re-constitution of Water Committee under this sub-section, the Assistant Executive Engineer shall get the execution of schemes done by the line departments.