Article 243E Duration of Panchayats

(1) Every Panchayat, unless sooner dissolved under any law for the time being in force, shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer.

(2) No amendment of any law for the time being in force shall have the effect of causing dissolution of a Panchayat at any level, which is functioning immediately before such amendment, till the expiration of its duration specified in clause (1).

(3) An election to constitute a Panchayat shall be completed—

(a) before the expiry of its duration specified in clause (1);

(b) before the expiration of a period of six months from the date of its dissolution: Provided that where the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Panchayat would have continued is less than six months, it shall not be necessary to hold any election under this clause for constituting the Panchayat for such period.

(4) A Panchayat constituted upon the dissolution of a Panchayat before the expiration of its duration shall continue only for the remainder of the period for which the dissolved Panchayat would have continued under clause (1) had it not been so dissolved.

PDF Download Article 243E of Indian Constitution, Constitution of India Article 243E

Article 54 of Indian Constitution

What is Article 243E of Indian Constitution

This article stipulates that Panchayats, once constituted, have a fixed duration of five years from the date of their first meeting. Unless dissolved earlier under any applicable law, Panchayats are expected to function for this specified period. After the completion of five years, elections are typically held to form new Panchayats and continue the process of local self-governance.
The provision ensures that Panchayats have a defined term to serve their roles in local administration and development, and it promotes regular democratic participation at the grassroots level.

Article 243E Duration of Panchayats