Whenever —
(a) the
Chief Judge is temporarily unable for any reason to perform the functions of
the office of Chief Judge; or
(b)
there is a vacancy in the office of Chief Judge,
and no judge has been
specifically appointed under section 21 to act in the office of Chief Judge
for the period of such inability or vacancy, the next senior judge who is able
and willing to do so is to perform the Chief Judge’s functions and may
exercise the Chief Judge’s powers.