(1) If any person to whom this section applies is without reasonable

cause guilty of any act or omission in breach of his official duty, he shall, on conviction, be punished with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees.

1. (2) No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against any such person for damages in respect of any such act or omission as aforesaid. Penalty fo misconduct at polling station. Maintenance of secrecy of voting. Officers, etc. at elections not to act for candidates or influence voting. Breaches of official duty in conection with elections.

18 Gujarat Panchayats Act, 1993. [1993 : Guj. 18

1. (3) The persons to whom this section applies are the returning officers, presiding officers, polling officers and any other persons appointed to perform any duty in connection with the maintenance of the list of voters, the receipt of nominations or withdrawal of candidatures or the recording

or counting of votes at an election; and the expression “official duty” shall for the

purposes of this section be construed accordingly, but shall not include duties imposed otherwise than by or under this Act.