Section 18: Temporary vacancy in the office of the Principal District Judge

In the event of death of a Principal District Judge or his absence from civil district on leave or in the event of his being prevented from performing his duties by illness or other cause, senior most judge, according to cadre seniority as per hierarchy of the cadres, shall assume charge of the Principal District Court, without interruption to his ordinary duties; and while so in charge, shall perform the duties of a Principal District Judge with respect to the filing of suits and appeals, receiving pleadings, petitions, execution of processes, return of writs and the like; and shall further have power and jurisdiction to dispose of emergent interlocutory matters of such nature, as the High Court may by rules prescribe and the Judge so incharge shall continue in such charge until the office of the Principal District Judge has been resumed or assumed by an officer duly appointed thereto.