The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, incorporated Article 243E into the Constitution, which provides specific mandates regarding the duration, dissolution, and re-election of Panchayats to ensure their continuity and stability.
Statement 1 is Correct
Prior to the 73rd Amendment, the organization of Panchayats was solely under the purview of State legislations. There was no constitutional provision mandating immediate elections upon dissolution. Consequently, State governments often dissolved local bodies and delayed elections for prolonged periods at their discretion.
Statement 2 is Incorrect
According to Article 243E(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. It does not serve a fresh five-year term.
Statement 3 is Correct
Article 243E(3) mandates that an election to constitute a Panchayat must be completed before the expiry of its duration, or in the case of dissolution, before the expiration of a period of six months from the date of its dissolution.
Key Takeaway:
While the standard term of a Panchayat is five years, a body reconstituted after premature dissolution serves only for the unexpired remainder of the original term. Elections must be held within six months of dissolution unless the remainder of the term is less than six months.