(1) On the election of a new Pradhan, the retiring Pradhan or the person holding charge of the Pradhan's office shall hand over to him the charge of the Pradhan's office
(2) If the retiring Pradhan or the person holding charge of the Pradhan's office fails or refuses to hand over charge of his office as required under sub- section (1), the Director of Panchayats or any officer empowered by him in this behalf, may, by order in writing, direct the retiring Pradhan to hand over charge of his officer forthwith and all papers and properties in his posession as such Pradhan to the new Pradhan.
(3) If the person to whom a direction has been issued under subsection (2) fails to comply with the direction, he shall without prejudice to any other legal remedy against him, be punishable, on conviction by a Magistrate of competent jurisdiction, with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or to one thousand rupees or with both.
Handing over charge by the retiring Pradhan to the new Pradhan 41
(4) Without prejudice to the action which may be taken under subsection (3), any officer empowered by the Director of Panchayats shall be entitled to take possession of, through police help, all papers and properties from the retiring Pradhan or the person holding charge of the Pradhan's office who failed to comply with the directions issued under sub-section (2).