**Executive Summary**
The document is an Act of the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on November 11, 2025. This Act, known as the Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Fourth Amendment) Act, 2025, amends the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994, and is deemed to have come into force on July 6, 2025. It extends the period for Special Officers' appointments.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Act Title and Commencement:**
* The Act is called the Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Fourth Amendment) Act, 2025.
* It is deemed to have come into force on July 6, 2025.
* **Amendment to Section 261-A:**
* In Section 261-A of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994, the expression "upto the 5th day of July 2025" is replaced with "upto the 5th day of January 2026".
* **Validation of Actions by Special Officers:**
* Special Officers appointed to exercise powers and discharge functions of village panchayats, panchayat union councils, or district panchayats are deemed to have been appointed under section 261-A of the principal Act, as amended, with effect from July 6, 2025.
* Actions taken by these Special Officers from July 6, 2025, until the publication date of this Act in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette, are deemed valid.
**Impact Analysis**
**Special Officers**
* **Impact:** Their appointment under section 261-A is validated, and their actions during the specified period are also validated by the Act.
* **Action Required:** Continue functioning under the principal Act, as amended, until January 5, 2026.
**Village Panchayats, Panchayat Union Councils, and District Panchayats**
* **Impact:** The continued operation and validity of functions carried out by Special Officers in place of elected bodies.
* **Action Required:** Continue to work with the appointed Special Officers until January 5, 2026.
**Government of Tamil Nadu**
* **Impact:** The amendment ensures the continued legal basis for the administration of village panchayats, panchayat union councils, or district panchayats by Special Officers.
* **Action Required:** Ensure Special Officers continue to operate per the amended Act.
Key Entities Referenced
Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994: The principal Act amended by this legislation. It concerns the functioning of panchayats (local self-government institutions) in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu Panchayats (Fourth Amendment) Act, 2025: This is the amending act. It modifies section 261-A of the Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994, extending the time period for certain provisions.
Chennai: Location where the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette is published.
Tamil Nadu Government Gazette: Official gazette where the Act is published and becomes effective.