HandBook for Returning Officers

The Returning Officers are the king-pin of the electoral machinery and, therefore, the importance of their duties cannot be over-emphasised. They perform very difficult functions under trying conditions, It is of the utmost importance that they should be thorough with the election law and procedure as pertaining to their duties. In the matter of scrutiny of nominations, they perform quasi-judicial functions. Any erroneous application law may vitiate the election. Further, the aggrieved party has no immediate remedy; he has to wait until the result is declared to file an election petition in the High Court. It is all the more reason why the ROs should keep abreast of the changes in the law and procedure.

An attempt has been made in this Handbook to explain in adequate detail, the powers, duties and functions of the Returning Officers during the various stages from the date of notification of election to the filing of accounts of election expenses by contesting candidates. While every endeavour has been made to cover all salient points, this is no substitute for the relevant provisions of the R.P. Act, 1951 and the rules made thereunder insofar as they relate to the functions of the ROs. They are advised to familiarize themselves with these provisions.

The last edition was brought out in 1982. Since then there is practically no change in the election law and procedure. However, the Commission had issued a number of directions/instructions to streamline polling and counting. These have been incorporated in this Handbook. Moreover, in the light of the experience gained during the elections held during 1982 and 1983, certain additions and alterations have also been made. Further, the opportunity has been seized to re-arrange the Handbook into a larger number of Chapters, wach dealing with a specific item.