(1) In the event of or any vacancy in the office of the [Chairperson] by reasons of his death, resignation or otherwise, the 2[Vice-Chairperson] and in his absence the senior-most Member shall act as 1[Chairperson] until the date on which a new 1[Chairperson], appointed in accordance with the provisions of this Act to fill such vacancy, enters upon his office.
(2) When the 1[Chairperson] is unable to discharge his functions owing to his absence, illness or any other cause, the 2[Vice-Chairperson] and in his absence the senior-most Member shall discharge the functions of the 1[Chairperson] until the date on which the 1[Chairperson] resumes his duty.