21Power to supersede the Council

(1) If the Central Government is of the opinion that the Council is unable to perform, or has persistently made default in the performance of, the duty imposed on it by or under this Act or has exceeded or abused its powers, or has wilfully or without sufficient cause, failed to comply with any direction issued by the Central Government under section 20, the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, supersede the Council for such period as may be specified in the notification:

Provided that before issuing a notification under this sub-section, the Central Government shall give a reasonable time to the Council to show cause why it should not be superseded and shall consider the explanation and objections, if any, of the Council.

(2) Upon the publication of a notification under sub-section (1) superseding the Council,--

(a) all the members of the Council shall, notwithstanding that their term of office had not expired, as from the date of supersession, vacate their offices as such members;

(b) all the powers and duties which may, by or under the provisions of this Act, be exercised or performed by or on behalf of the Council shall, during the period of supersession, be exercised and performed by such person or persons as the Central Government may direct;

(c) all property vested in the Council shall, during the period of supersession, vest in the Central Government.

(3) On the expiration of the period of supersession specified in the notification issued under sub-section (1), the Central Government may--

(a) extend the period of supersession for such further period as it may consider necessary; or

(b) reconstitute the Council in the manner provided in section 3.