(5) Where the State Government reduces or alters, under sub- section (3), the limits of any metropolitan area, such reduction or alteration shall not affect any inquiry, trial or appeal pending immediately before such reduction or alteration before any Court or Magistrate, and every such inquiry, trial or appeal shall continue to be dealt with under this Code as if such reduction or alteration had not taken place. Explanation.- In this section, the expression" population" means the population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published.