Section 16State of Maharashtra Act
Section 16: Appointment of Presiding Officers and Polling Officers
Appointment of Presiding Officers and Polling Officers.
(1)
The Returning Officer shall appoint a Presiding Officer for each polling station and such polling Officer or Officers as he thinks necessary, but shall not appoint any person who has been employed by the concerned society or on behalf of, or has been otherwise working for a candidate in or about the election:Provided that, if a polling Officer is absent from the polling station, the Presiding Officer may appoint any person who is present at the polling station, other than a person who has been employed by the concerned society or on behalf of, or who has been otherwise working for a candidate in or about the election, to be the Polling Officer during the absence of such officer, and shall inform the Returning Officer accordingly.(2)
A Polling Officer shall, if so directed by the Presiding Officer, perform all or any of the functions of a Presiding Officer under the Act or these rules and bye-laws made there under.(3)
If the Presiding Officer, owing to illness or otherwise or due to unavoidable cause, is absent from the polling station, his functions shall be performed by such Polling Officer as has been previously authorized by the Presiding Officer, to perform such functions during his absence.Disclaimer: This section is reproduced for general informational and reference purposes only. Always verify against the latest official gazette and consult a qualified advocate before relying on any provision.