The correct option is 1 only
Explanation
The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992, added Part IX to the Constitution, which includes specific provisions regarding the duration and dissolution of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) under Article 243E.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Correct: According to Article 243E, 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.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The Constitution mandates that if a Panchayat is dissolved before the expiration of its duration, an election to constitute the Panchayat must be completed before the expiry of a period of six months from the date of its dissolution, not one year.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The 73rd Amendment does not make local bodies immune to dissolution. It allows for the dissolution of Panchayats in accordance with the procedure established by state laws. However, it ensures continuity by mandating that fresh elections be held within six months of such dissolution.
Key Takeaway: A Panchayat has a fixed tenure of five years. If dissolved prematurely, fresh elections must be conducted within six months, and the newly elected Panchayat serves only for the remainder of the original term.