Officer etc. at election not to act for candidates or influence voting

(1) No person who is a returning officer, or a presiding or polling officer at an election or an officer or official appointed by the State Election Commission to perform any duty in connection with an election, shall in the conduct of election do any act (other than the giving of his vote) for the furtherance of the prospects of the elections of a candidate. (2) No such person as aforesaid, and no number of a police force, shall endeavour- (a) to persuade any person to give his vote at an election; or (b) to dissuade any person from giving his vote at an election; or (c) to influence the voting or any person at an election in any manner. (3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall, on conviction, be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with fine of one thousand rupees or with both.