Can State Legislatures extend the duration of a Panchayat's term beyond five years?
No, State Legislatures cannot extend the duration of a Panchayat's term beyond five years. According to section 243E(1), every Panchayat shall continue for five years from the date appointed for its first meeting and no longer, unless sooner dissolved under any law for the time being in force. Additionally, no amendment of any law for the time being in force shall have the effect of causing dissolution of a Panchayat at any level which is functioning immediately before such amendment, till the expiration of its duration specified in clause (1).