73-IB. Powers of State Government to postpone election.- Where due to scarcity, drought, flood, fire, or any other natural calamity or rainy season or any election programme, of the State Legislative Assembly or Council or the House of the People or a local authority coinciding with the election programme of any society or class of societies or such other reasons as, in the opinion of the State Government, are exceptional, it is not in the public interest to hold elections to any society or class of societies, the State Government may, notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, or in any rules, or bye-laws made thereunder, or any other law for the time being in force, for reasons to be recorded in writing, by general or special order, postpone the election of any society or class or societies, for a period not exceeding six months at a time which period may further be extended so, however, that the total period shall not exceed one year in the aggregate. | 