(1) The Central Government may, by a general or special order published in the Official Gazette, authorise any additional district judge or subordinate judge to assume, without relinquishing his ordinary duties, charge of the office of the district judge in the event of the death, resignation or removal of the district judge or of his being incapacitated by illness or otherwise for the performance of his duties or of his absence from the place at which the court is held:
Provided that nothing herein contained shall be deemed to preclude the Central Government from so authorising any additional district judge or subordinate judge in the State of Kerala.
(2) The additional district judge or the subordinate judge assuming charge of the office of the district judge under sub-section (1) shall continue in charge thereof until the office is resumed by the district judge or assumed by an officer appointed thereto.
(3) While in charge of the office of the district judge, the additional district judge or the subordinate judge, as the case may be, may, subject to any rules which the High Court may ma.:e in this behalf, exercise any of the powers of the district judge,
CHAPTER III ORDINARY JURISDICTION OF CIVIL COURTS