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

Officers etc., at election not to act for candidates or to influence voting.—

1. (1) No person who is a District Election Officer or a Returning Officer or an Assistant Returning Officer or a Presiding or Polling Officer at an election, or an officer performing any duty in connection with an election shall, in the conduct or the management of the election, do any act (other than the giving of vote) for the furtherance of the prospects of the election of a candidate.
2. (2) No such person as aforesaid, and no member 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 of any person at an election in any manner.
3. (3) Any person who contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to three years or with fine or with both.
4. (4) An offence punishable under sub-section (3) shall be cognizable.