Which of the following statements with regard to Panchayats in India are correct? 1. Seats in a Panchayat are filled by direct election from the territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area. 2. The Gram Sabha is the body of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village within the Panchayat area. 3. The Panchayats work on the principle of constitutional autonomy. 4. The State Legislature may by law endow the Panchayats with the power and authority to enable them to function. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

The 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act provides that all seats in a Panchayat shall be filled by persons chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the Panchayat area [3]. The Gram Sabha is defined as a body consisting of persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level [2]. Furthermore, Article 243G stipulates that the State Legislature may, by law, endow the Panchayats with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as institutions of self-government [1]. However, the principle of 'constitutional autonomy' is not a standard legal term used for Panchayats; they are instead described as 'institutions of self-government' whose powers are devolved by the State Legislature. Therefore, statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, while statement 3 is technically inaccurate in the constitutional context.

Sources

1. [3] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > II ICompulsory Provisions > p. 392
2. [2] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 39: Panchayati Raj > Salient Features > p. 388
3. [1] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 92: World Constitutions > PANCHAYATS > p. 702