Breach of official duty in connection with elections.

(1) If any person to whom this section applies, is, without reasonable cause, guilty of any act or omission in the breach of his official duty, he shall be punishable with fine, which may extend to Rs. 500. (2) An offence punishable under sub-section (1) shall be cognizable. (3) No suit or other legal proceedings shall lie against any such person for damages in respect of any such act or omission as aforesaid. (4) The persons to whom this section applies, are the District Election Officer, Returning Officer, Assistant Returning Officers, Presiding Officers, Polling Officers and any other person appointed to perform any duty in connection with the receipt of nominations or withdrawal of candidature, 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.